This past weekend was Thanksgiving in Canada (yes, it’s held earlier than Thanksgiving in the USA due to harvest season coming earlier here). As I was harvesting the last of the tomatoes out of my backyard garden at home, I was thinking about all that we have to be grateful for, even in this year of upheaval.
It’s no surprise that 2020 didn’t go quite as planned for anyone, at least not now. According to plan Picton Castle would have been at sea in the tropics sailing from island to island for most of this year, instead the ship is securely tied to the wharf here in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Instead of having a full crew aboard, there are just a small handful of folks who are keeping the lights on and the fires warm, so to speak.
Certainly I’m grateful for the crew who were scheduled to sail with us this year, both professional crew and trainees. Through every schedule change, every bit of uncertainty about when they’ll get to set sail, they have maintained their interest and their commitment to be part of the crew when the time is right. That’s something that will flavour the upcoming voyage – those who have stuck with us have already shown incredible motivation and dedication.
I’m also grateful that we were able to figure out a way to safely offer a Bosun School this summer, and grateful for those who attended. In the midst of not being able to do the thing we usually do, Bosun School gave us purpose and allowed us carry on doing what we’re meant to do. We had an excellent group of engaged students who surprised us pleasantly with their ability to work together.
I’m also grateful for my colleagues, for Danielle, Bronwen and the Captain. We worked from home for most of the spring, meeting together in person only occasionally. In the summer, we returned to working in the office together (properly socially distanced, of course). While each of us is focused and effective on our own, I think we all missed working collaboratively together and creating a better result by having input from all parties.
I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the bright spots of 2020 and to be thankful for what’s around you. Happy Thanksgiving!