From the Helm – Friday, December 25, 2009

6 PM – I slept soundly until around 6 this morning.  To have the Beatriz to myself was an experience I’d not had for some years.  I’m grateful for the privilege.  There was even enough coffee left from last night, I didn’t have to make any.  It was a relaxing morning, indeed.

- I called Mom, Dad and the Boy’s this morning to wish them all the best on this special day.  It was good to hear all their voices…  Dad said it snowed back home.  What a way to spend such a day as this.  Just an added thrill God provided along the way.

- It didn’t work out for Anderson and me to follow our Christmas tradition of cruising the downtown.  I still have the money we were going to spend on the food baskets. I’m confident there will be a need over the next days that will fit the amount perfectly though.  It’s amazing how all that works.

- The marina didn’t start coming to life until an hour ago.  People are returning from a day with family or whatever.  Christmas is celebrated at midnight on the Eve hear in Brasil.  They put on a pretty good feast with all the special dishes imaginable.  The Boys told me their Vovo (grandmother) did it up right for all of them.  I remember the spreads she would lay out on any given day.  She would pretty much fix everybody’s favorites, every meal.  I have sweet memories of all that.  Reflection is a good thing these days…

- At 4 this afternoon,   Luiza, Little Charlie and I sat down regarding his termination.  It was a good, long conversation.  He’s been with us since 1995, officially. We’ve actually treated him as family since 1991.  The discussions went well.  We will be out in the low-5 figures to settle all his workers rights through an out-of-court settlement.  It’s big but, it is the right thing to do.  We have another suit to defend in March brought by Hoseas.  It’s bogus.  I have no concerns.  Won’t bother myself with that deal till it arrives.  There are quite a few days to be lived between now and then.  Even now, God has it resolved.  No need for my involvement.

- I’m looking forward to another quiet night.  The crew begins checking aboard in the morning.  This will be the last night alone for a good many days to come.  I think I’ll have another cup of coffee and enjoy the breeze…

Thank You, Lord…  Thank You for such a special day on this Special Day of Yours.  Thank You for sending Your Son so long ago that I might be able to know You as I do.  Thank You for your tolerance of me.  Thank You for all things seen and unseen responsible for this joy in my soul.  But for Your Grace and mercy, I’d be blind to what I’ve seen this day.  Thank You for it all, indeed…