Headwinds

Sailing is a favorite pastime of mine. I always think in terms of “being on a boat” as I travel through life.

Webster defines headwinds as ” a wind blowing from directly in front, opposing forward motion.” I had not realized that my regular posting with a monthly comment had gone by the wayside. Since last September, I have been pushing ahead through some difficult headwinds. However, today, I have the wind at my back.

What has changed? Well, last year, I was deeply involved in a 100 year celebration and major fund raising activity. I was awarded a national honor through my profession a day after I lost my dearest King Charles Cavalier to a debilitating death. As we all know, ‘Nothing good or bad lasts forever’. It all seemed to stack up against me- like a headwind- and took a toll on me.

Another reason I feel the wind is at my back comes from the wonderful family times. My mother and I took a 12-15 hour drive to see my sister in her new home. We spent a beautiful week with her and visited with nearby cousins. My eldest granddaughter transitioned into her senior year in a new school and graduated cum laude with a full scholarship to the university her Papa had been talking to her about since kindergarten. My family set up a plan for me to spend three weeks at the ocean free of charge. I have a built in “senior dog sitter” right down the street.

So far, I have been at the beach and the pool with all four of my grandchildren, stopped in several coffee and bakery speciality shoppes, stopped in the new pull outs by the sound and filled my spirit. mind, soul and emotions with positive experiences. That includes several new books and journals from two local bookstores.

Now, I am floating effortlessly forward with a strong tailwind and a protective covering of love.

I picked up a card with a watercolor of a sailboat in full sail with two happy children on the stern. This poem was on the back:

A Headwind Full of Gratitude by Philip Martz

For all those outward bound, consider risk and reward with equal mind. All those sailing between harbor, strait and port. All those voyaging upon the deep. All those navigating by compass or stars at night. On what seas, on what shores. On what barren strait, can one find safe passage? With waves lapping at one’s boat. Lulling all to sleep until awakened by the same. All that cannot be controlled. Rationed nor planned for in advance. Bending the will of strong armed sailors to unseen eddies, sea fog and rolling gale winds. Forcing each to consider their ways. We are not those who saw the harbor recede nor those who will disembark. Think only of right action, of tacking into the wind. All those who seeking safe passage. Between hither and yon shore, consider your ways. None can chart the future until filling the sails with a headwind full of gratitude.