What does family mean? There are many definitions but for the purpose of this blog post, I will mention two relevant ones. 1. All the descendants of a common ancestor. 2. People who support and love you.
I have written many pieces on family. My father had a great influence on my life and although he has passed on, his love and what he taught me continues to shape my world as a person and writer.
This published poem was written after I had been home for a visit and saw so many changes in our little cove and in my father’s health. During the last few days I was there, I asked my father what would he like to do with me before I returned to Australia? He said he wanted me to go for a sail with him around the bay on his fishing vessel. Little did I know it would be the last time I would see him.
A few months after my visit, he was hospitalised and because I was on the other side of the world, there was no way I could get there, fast enough. But I sent this poem by internet to my mother to read to him. By this time my father was in a coma but she was sure he heard what I wrote. I would like to think he sailed out of this world on the ocean of my words. An image fitting for him, as he was an incredible captain in his day.
Loss of a parent is a very difficult experience and nothing can prepare us for it. I loved my dad. He was an amazing man and although he is gone, he is never far from my heart through memories and by the fact I am part of who he was. Pieces of him continue to be sewn into my stories, poems and songs for family connections are strong and no wind or wave can sever the ties.
