"I saw a great quote this morning: "The highest moments in life are those moments of love we share with our families" – how true that is. Too often it is tragic events like this that make you take a step back and reflect on what is truly important. Personally I have felt every emotion under the sun this week – sadness, anger and especially guilt for not visiting enough and spending more time with him. I am so proud to be his daughter and know my sisters feel the same. That is the first thing I will tell him when I see him. -Susan"
This was on http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/larrywade, which is a free, nonprofit web service that connects family and friends to share information, love and support during a health crisis, treatment, and recovery. It was written by the daughter of one of my very best friends; Captain Larry Wade had a stroke the other day while at sea off the coast of Italy. He is in serious condition. (Update: Captain Wade is back in Maine – The doctors all feel strongly that it was a viral infection, so no real medicinal treatment, just lots of rest. A much better prognosis than they had originally been given when he was in Italy!)
He is the Captain of 500 foot Training Ship State of Maine. Maine Maritime Academy teaches students to become officers in the merchant marine which many become vessel captains or chief engineers. Each year 200 students take a two month cruise for sea time and real life experiences. I try to make as many cruises with him as possible but was not able to this year. I met Captain Wade in 1971 aboard the Tanker Mission Santa Ynez when I joined as a cadet deck officer. It has been because of this man that I went on to become Captain and enjoyed a successful maritime career. Right now I am wishing him a quick recovery. I know that he already knows this but I wish had told him more of my thoughts and what his friendship has meant to me.
My first experience with ‘I wish that I’ was when my dad died and I was aboard a ship at sea off Europe. Have you ever wished that you'd spent a little more time with your mom or dad? You know – know them as an adult besides being just mom or dad. I can't tell you how many thoughts and wishes went through my mind after my Dad died. It was a rough time for me.
Yes I have many ‘I wish that’ I’d like to say to Larry right now. When Captain Wade recovers we can sit down have a talk. Unfortunately we can't make time travel backwards in many cases. Do you have things you aren't saying to the people who are important to you? Maybe we'd better start right now while we have the chance. Captain Wade, thanks for being my friend. Your friendship has touched me and thousands of others. I’d seen that over 1,500 people had written and checked on your well being. Looks like I’ll have to stand in line to give you a hug" (West Coast thing).
{ 1 trackback }