They never understood, when they “put her into care,” that she already had all she needed: a trundle, a trunk, a life-vest, as many friends as any needed. Sure, she’d fallen overboard, but only in stormy weather, which meant all hands on deck to sound the “Lassie Overboard Alarm” and save her.
For years she pined. For the salt air. The open space. The freedom. Even for the callouses that Papa said were part of a sailor.
Now grown, and anchored by children of her own, the sea remained away.
But she could bring it home.
Create her Oceana.
For Rochelle’s Friday Fictioneers
Photo prompt © Jennifer Pendergast
Na'ama Yehuda 
A lovely story Na’ama
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🙂 Thank you, Sadje! 🙂
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You’re most welcome
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“anchored by her children”–there could be at least two ways to interpret that. Interesting post.
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Hi Linda! Yes, I love it that you ‘got’ the pun … because, yes, there is more than one way to interpret it, and perhaps she found her balance, anchored as she was and with the carefree memories of the sea untarnished by an adult’s reality.
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So much to delve into here, I hope she finds her freedom in the end.
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Thank you! Yes, I hope she finds it, and perhaps she did, in the balance between the then and now, her own little Oceana. 🙂
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Na’ama Y’karah,
Apparently a lot has happened since she fell overboard. I love “anchored by children”. I understand her longing for the sea. Lovely story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Chag Same’ach Rochelle! Yes, I think a lot did happen … and I can see why people might have not been okay with her childhood’s surroundings … perfect as they might’ve felt to the child she was … As for the longing for the sea … most of us who are part dolphin can’t help but yearn when we’re away and feel instantly at home when we are there, eh? XX Na’ama
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Yes, yes…we do. So why was I put in Missouri? Chag Same’ach.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The mysteries of the universe, Rochelle! 😉
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I guess the fall made her feel even more at one with the sea. Her children probably don’t appreciate the passion for it that still dwells within her mind.
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Ah, Keith, I did not even think of THAT, but yes … perhaps the fall – and the certitude of trust in rescue (even in a storm) – had her feel even more connected to the sea. That said, I do think she’s found some measure of peace, anchored as she is, and many of us cannot really ask for more…. 🙂 Thanks for the comment!
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A lovely story. It creates that longing for the past when impressions were being formed in our minds, those places and things are such comforts.
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Yes! Thank you! Here’s to nostalgia and the memories that bring us comfort. 🙂
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An intriguing story. I like that the character does not seem bitter, just reflective about where her life is at.
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Thank you! Yes, I didn’t feel her as bitter, only nostalgic, and perhaps a bit pining, but not unhappy. I would like to think that she understands – as an adult – what she might not have understood as a child. And that she is sailing life’s seas in her own way, and it is good enough.
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She’s come to terms with her present reality, but I like that she’s found a way to have a small piece of her old life always with her. This is lovely.
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Thank you! Yes, sometimes pining for a nostalgic time does not need to take away from the current time, but can have aspects of it woven into our present, to enrich, rather than split. 🙂 Love that you liked it! 🙂
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i suppose she can create her own reality. imagination can do wonders.
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Indeed it can!
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Wonderful write, Na’ama! I loved the metaphor of the anchored woman. Beautifully done!
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Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it! Yes, the anchor metaphor tickled my brain, and so I had to … 😉 Thanks for reading and commenting!
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