I don't think there is anyone on the planet who isn't saddened by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Each day the news is even more heartbreaking than the day before.
Yesterday, the inevitable happened, even though I just never could admit it, even to myself. I was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. I spent so many happy times at Pensacola Beach over the years that I lived there and even after I moved away years ago. During my childhood, I don't think I really appreciated the white sand beaches there, not realizing that the stretch of coastline from Pensacola over to Panama City, Florida has perhaps the only pure white sand beaches in the world. I will never forget the awe on John and Michael's face when, as toddlers, they saw Pensacola Beach for the first time.
When I first moved to Rochester in the early 70's, people raved about "going to the beach." Try to imagine my total disappointment when I discovered Rochesterians' definition of "the beach" was Lake Ontario, which, during certain times of the summer is filled with the stench of decaying algea that there seems to be no remedy for. My definition was much more beautiful. . . emerald green water with big white waves that were not only a delight to see but fun to play in, dolphins playing just off shore, people chasing sand crabs across the beach. . . oh, my Gosh, just sitting here typing all these memories brings tears to my eyes now with word that the oil has now washed up on Pensacola Beach.
We have lived through a lot of ugliness in the world. . . race riots, the wars in Viet Nam, Iraq and Afghanistan, 9-11, are just a few examples. But I always believed that nothing could ever destroy the beauty and enjoyment of the pristine beaches in my hometown, not even hurricanes. Those big beautiful waves would always be there and generations would enjoy them long after I have left this earth. And the seafood that I love would never be destroyed.
No, I do not advocate stopping all drilling in the Gulf. You don't take away all cars because a drunk driver crashes into a crowd of people, killing many innocent people.
We will find a way, no matter how long it takes, to restore the Gulf Coast to the way it has always been and the way it should be. I just hope I am around to see it happen.
Flower Season Has Begun
53 minutes ago
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteI have tried three times now to comment on your post. My problem is my connection is via satellite times out before the page will load because I am on board a ship, now anchored off an island in the Bahamas. We are in the Florida Straits and the oil is on its way here. Just a few minutes ago I was out walking on deck 7, looking down to the sea where the water is so clear that I can see fish swimming far below. At times from seven decks above I can make out a stingray, a shark, and many schools of fish I cannot name or count. A couple of weeks ago when we were here, I saw dolphins playing between the ship and the island. I have pictures of them on my blog.
The oil from the Gulf is coming here. I am so broken hearted that there is no way to stop it. My Honey and I will leave the ship in six days after spending six weeks here this time and it is six years since we first came here on this ship. The oil may start to come just as we are leaving. After a month at home we will go to another ship up the Florida coast that will also be dodging the oil.
I fully understand how you are feeling and share your sorrow.
Hugs,
Lois
It is a terrible disaster,and certainly made news world wide.
ReplyDeletePresident Obama was coming to visit us here in Australia this month..but cancelled once again.Giving the oil spill as his excuse.I guess he is alittle worried too.As he should be !!!
But maybe he has more personal concerns ???