Thankful
Commodore B. J. Turk, 13 November 2005

Here in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving this month. Originally, it was a celebration of the bounty of the harvest before the long cold winter, begun by those who first came from Europe to this land of wonders. After almost four hundred years, its significance has not diminished.

After all, we always have much for which to be thankful. As sailors of misfortune,we should be thankful that we have survived yet another season withour lives intact, even if not our dignity nor pride. We should be thankful for those who indulge our foolish belief that we are better at sea than we really are, and love us because of and in spite of our ineptitude. We should be thankful that our friends stand by us, even though most would be embarrassed to do so.



We should also be thankful for the sea itself. Waters of such infinite power and majesty bless us continually with the right to sail, and to enjoy its seemingly endless bounty. This mistress of ours who calls to us adds dimension and excitement to otherwise-dull lives, and our gratitude should be evident.

But is it? What do you do to preserve the seas that give us so much? Do you support those causes that seek to preserve them? When was the last time you donated to such organizations? Do you put your money where your moth is, and where your heart lies?



It is too easy to say we are grateful, but deeds are the true measure of the man, and of the sailor of misfortune. Support those organizations who seek to preserve the seas we love. Be environmentally responsible yourself. Recycle and reuse when you can. Don't throw your trash overboard. Catch and release what you will not or cannot eat.

Our waters are life itself. In this season of Thanksgiving, remember to be grateful for our oceans, rivers, lakes and streams. Show that gratitude by doing what you can to protect them. Be a responsible sailor of misfortune, even though you're still unable to join this club because the member module remains all screwed up and your loyal but hapless Commodore hasn't been able to get it working correctly yet, though he is still valiantly, and perhaps fruitlessly, trying.



Other Commodore's Log entries:

      Shorter Days, Longer Nights (13 October 2005)
      Summer's End (13 August 2005)
      Summer Sailing (13 July 2005)
      3rd Friday the 13th Status Report (13 May 2005)
      Ode to Spring (13 April 2005)
      The Misfortune Continues... (13 March 2005)

      Commodore's Log Archive (old stuff)


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