Sitting On the Dock of the Bay

Sitting on the top of the Bay - close enough to the dock - causes me to reflect on the finer points of life.

Here I am in one of the most beautiful spots on earth - St. John's, Virgin Islands. Sun is shining, trade winds are creating a gentle comfort and the view is a spectacular panorama of Chocolate Bay, Cruz Bay and St. Thomas in the distance.
Not only physical beauty surrounding me, but the true kindness of loved ones pervades from my perch.

I am with my cousin and his wife for the next three months. Just typing the sentence causes me to wonder about my rational behavior and the lack thereof. How about if your cousin emailed you and said, I am considering coming to visit for an extended period? Whew - would take a few moments to recover from that missive - don't you think!? Granted, these are my kissing cousins but how much of an additional being in your life would be appropriate? Think the delete button would be close at hand and, if a follow-up email ever came across the laptop, lost in cyberspace would be the cry.

It all started at a niece's wedding last July. Gathering with cousins, having a wonderful time, hearing about life in the Virgin Islands, caused my nuclear and extended family to begin the discussion of how wonderful it would be for Anne to try her hand at Island Living. Perfect for enabling me to set the next chapter and formulate a new plan. Something a wee bit stronger than organizing my Nancy Drew's and Florence Nightingale's in alpha and color order. (A childhood Saturday activity - scary,I know) Over the Fall months, the underground current, known as the family grapevine, continued. So, I tested Jerry and Tish's (cousin and his wife) cardiac strength and sent the notification,(calling it anything else would be less than true) otherwise known as inviting oneself.

My cousin, his wife and their family are fun, fun, fun. They put the P in positive. They own several businesses in St. John's and a most eclectic and relatively famous bar in Jost Van Dyke, The Soggy Dollar. The Bar's moniker evolved since the only method of approaching the center of The Painkiller (a wickedly delightful alcoholic concoction) universe is by boat. Once close, moor the boat, jump into the water and swim to one of the most beautiful beaches ever witnessed. More on the Soggy Dollar in future notings. (or nothings - depending on your point of view)

So, off I wrote, requesting admittance to this isle of coral reefs and kindness, with the caveat that I would be put to work. Surprisingly, the most welcoming response came almost immediately. They could not have been more warm in their reception, both in their communications and their response since Monday's arrival. I am sitting at the Top of the Bay, so grateful that good people are a part of my life.

I know that I can never contribute to their lives what they have given to mine - even if I came up with a golden opportunity. Jerry and Tish have ideas a mile a minute and experiences that reflect thoughtful action on the ideas. Makes one excited just listening to the possibilities. Their minds work so fast that I am unclear what I can add to the equation but I am delighted to listen, think of how I can be part of the equation and provide some sort of labor somewhere.

I do know that they have added to mine. Opening their door, welcoming me, adding a smile to my day. How many people do you know who have the generosity of spirit to be so magnanimous? It is true, Mean People Suck but Good People Rock.

When someone says to have a good day - they must have met Jerry and Tish.