What have I learned? What have I learned?
We come to this life in the sea with childhood myths of creatures that will harm us and currents that can sweep us away.
Then... with the first taste of salt and a fin stroke we are seduced.
I have learned I am hopelessly addicted to this mistress mother ocean. I have lied to my family to be with her with out guilt or remorse. I will go alone in the cold of night to meet her. I lie to myself she can be lived with.....if I'm strong, healthy, deeply experienced, and lucky. I lie that the lessons learned from the 23 friends I lost over the many years will teach me to survive.
The passing of our brother Rick Hadley shows this myth not to be true. No amount of training and experience will keep us safe from a rocky shoreline with seas and a death trap beneath her dark waters.
I shall continue my love affair with her..... but pray I have a crew like Lyle, Robert, Jeff and Steve to bring me home someday. I love you guys and will always keep Rick's angel on my shoulder to whisper to me. Bless you.
Don