November 14 - Remembrance Sunday at sea

Today is our 6th sea day and it’s pretty calm, partly cloudy and in the  high 70’s

Today is the day on which the UK and Canada commemorate those who served their countries through wars and crises and perished.  There is a ceremony at 11 AM.  It’s also a time for some of us just to remember our own losses and  this is the only time I will do this here.  Katie has read this poem which someone posted on a cruise forum I visit.  I wish I could say I wrote it but I don’t know who did.  It perfectly expresses to my mind the way one feels after a loss.  So bear with me and please don’t think I’m being maudlin.

You don’t just lose someone once

You lose them over and over

Sometimes many times  a day,

When the loss, momentarily forgotten, 

Creeps up

And attacks you from behind.

Fresh waves of grief as the realization hits home,

They are gone

Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,

You lose them every time you open your eyes to a new dawn,

And as you awaken

So does your memory

So does the jolting bolt of lightning that rips into your heart,

They are gone.

Again.

Losing someone is a journey

Not a one-off.

There is no end to the loss

There is only a learned skill on how to stay afloat 

When it washes over.

Be kind to those who are sailing this stormy sea,

They have a journey ahead of them,

And a daily shock to the system each time they realise

They are gone,

Again.

You don’t just lose someone once,

You lose them every day

For a lifetime.

Okay, now I’ve had my time of reflection.  I’ll write more later about what’s going on here on the good  ship Ovation.