Looking through your personal file folders today, in amongst the medical forms, random letters, boat information and tax records I found these..
- A photo of you on the Willeena.. I imagine this is about 5-10 years old. You are in mid-story as you so often were, and unaware of the photographer (because if you were you would have posed for the photo like you preferred to do {like father like daughter..}) and I love how your mess is all around you, as usual. This was a hard discovery to make, but it shows you healthy and connected, so the tears weren't as scary as I thought they might be.
- The next a drawing I'd done for you, of the Willeena.. it's dated 1998, I was 18 years old. I'm always amazed that you've managed to keep pretty much everything I've ever sent or given to you.
- A drawing you did, with a post-it note: '1973 before all that Lord of the Rings Stuff'. (smiles) Thought you had something on those directors huh, Dad? I am amazed and also really comforted by the fact that I think we might have the same drawing style. My boat and your magic man look like they could have been drawn by the same person.
- Then, a poem I'd written for you. You made copies and kept them, you even had someone type up a copy to give out to other people. I remember often hearing you talk about this poem I'd done for you and how you gave it to people to help them, too. I really couldn't remember what the poem said, so finding it today was like finding a piece of myself. You note that I was 16 years old (1996) when I'd written it, you were so proud. It's incredible how true the poem turned out to be.
My Father
Shows a sense beyond his years, heart of bravery, has no fear.
Is in my heart though he's not here.
Is my mentor, a leader, a teacher, is my best friend.
Looks at life with dancing eyes, can turn anything to use.
Gives some hope with a hand to lend, forever giving, never needing.
Broken his bones for all he's gained, take everything but his pride still remains.
Ocean wind is in his heart, his one and only guide,
eternally by his daughter's side, I look upon him with great pride.
He's showed me I can be someone, helped me be who I've become.
I grow up forever knowing, sea blood in my viens in flowing.
I have his will to survive, he's my reason for being alive.
No matter what I'll be his child, I owe my abilities to him, to face the world.
When together we're a determined duet, Enchanter, Inspirator, Composer, Protector.
We're inseperable.
I love you forever, Sarah
