Ship Notes 10-25-24

 

Ship Notes

Friday Morning 10-25-24

Noel Laflin

 

The buffet is crowded early this morning as folks are waiting for the dense fog to lift so they can find their way off the gangplank and get to the exploration of Ensenada.

 

An older gentleman approaches my table, asking if he can join me, as seating is at a premium currently.

 

"Of course!" I told him, and slide a stray coffee mug out of his way.

 

Spontaneous friendships are often made in this manner, or so we have experienced over the years. And this chance encounter with a fellow named Doug proved to be no different in nature.

 

Midway through our breakfast, I learn that my new friend has recently lost his wife of sixty-five years, and the reason for this cruise is to scatter her ashes in the Pacific - somewhere between San Francisco and here - which he and his daughters did just two days ago.

 

Doug is a bit misty eyed at this point, so I reached out to touch his hand, thanking him for sharing his story.

 

"I haven't been able to talk about this with anyone till now, so thanks for listening."

 

Sometimes, the simple courtesy of sharing a table leads to so much more.

 

And then, just like that, the mighty fog that engulfed both ship and city begins to lift, and the sunshine breaks through.