{quotable thursdays--for my uncle}

I grew up on the sea. Before I could walk, I was nestled into my Mum's snuggli as she sewed the mast boots as they restored the grand bank fishing schooner, Robertson II. At 6 we sailed to Australia from the west coast of Canada on Pacific Swift (detail of trip here). In my life, I have felt peace at sea. We've been in bad conditions, we've braved storms, experienced broken engines and listless days of drifting, but we always made it through. & there was always a sense of affinity with the ocean; we knew her dangers but we also felt at one with her.

This week we received the terrible news that my uncle went missing in his rowboat off of the coast of BC on a journey he had spent years planning. The news report can be found here. A huge search & rescue effort ensued with the coast guard, but to no avail, and now the search has been called off. It is all hard to grasp...hard to handle.

My uncle (along with my dad) were born and raised in what is now Pakistan and India. Their adventures with the sea began in the long-haul voyages on the P&O liners to England. Once they immigrated to Canada they fell in love with boats. They are both expert mariners and have a lifetime of experience on the water.
It is with sadness and disbelief that I write these words, thinking of my adventurous uncle who was always keen to experience the world around him with such enthusiasm. If you are in BC, keep a look out for him...we can only hope he will be found.
This week's quote is a hymn for my uncle. You can listen to the music here.

I feel the winds of God today; today my sail I lift,

Though heavy, oft with drenching spray, and torn with many a rift;

If hope but light the water’s crest, and Christ my bark will use,

I’ll seek the seas at His behest, and brave another cruise.

It is the wind of God that dries my vain regretful tears,

Until with braver thoughts shall rise the purer, brighter years;

If cast on shores of selfish ease or pleasure I should be;

Lord, let me feel Thy freshening breeze, and I’ll put back to sea.

If ever I forget Thy love and how that love was shown,

Lift high the blood red flag above; it bears Thy name alone.

Great pilot of my onward way, Thou wilt not let me drift;

I feel the winds of God today, today my sail I lift.

{Uncle Paul and his boat}

{from left to right: my dad, uncle latu, uncle Paul & my grandpa in India}

Thinking of you Uncle Paul, 

L