Holiday Message from Nathan
This year the holidays seem to be a little more vivid for me than usual. It might be the amazingly white Christmas we are going to have. It could be the smell of baking at home or the gifts under the tree. It could be that Alison and I are planning to have all of our family over to our house for Christmas day for the first time ever. Whatever it is, there is something different this year.
If there is one thing that single handed sailing teaches you, it is the value of human contact. Whether departing or arriving, people are what you think about even more than good food and a stable bed. I’m headed off to sea again soon, and I am already thinking about solitude and loneliness, a stark contrast with the holidays here on the hard. So I have resolved myself to enjoy people this season. To enjoy cheerful conversation with friends. To appreciate the bustle of people in the streets, rushing to find last minute things for the big day. And to make sure that my co-workers, friends and team mates know just how special they are.
The generosity of the season always pulls on my heartstrings as well. Last week my team mates sent out an email to friends of the sailing team to request help for this qualification trip. It’s no secret that I have been barely holding it together financially, and the donations that came in following this email were enough to make sure that I am going to be able to leave. I want to thank the team for making that appeal, and all of you that were able to donate toward the campaign at this critical time. We have enough money to leave now, and that is a big deal in the grand scheme of things. (Now all we have to do is figure out how to get home…)
As we get older it is easy to become jaded about big crowds and the commercialism that comes with this season. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Once the gifts are bought and the turkey is in the oven, take a moment to just sit and look at the lights, your family and appreciate the laughter and good will of the season. It is a special time no matter how old you are. Whether you are the giver or the receiver. There is so much joy to be found in the people around us and I am so happy to have you all in my life.
So I just wanted to tell you, all of you, that I am so touched by your generosity and help over the past two years. I get all chocked up thinking of the little and big things that folks have done to help make all of these dreams come true.
So to all of you, I wish you a very happy holiday. Enjoy your families and make sure to drink a toast and send warm thoughts to those that are alone over the holiday. They are certainly thinking of you.
Warm Regards and best wishes,
n