This scenario doesn't happen very often but when it does I
always think it’s the worst possible timing. I believe we've all been there.
I’m running late, I can’t find my keys, coffee is out of the
question and by the time I’m finally on my way to work and making up some lost
time I get this text, “The hood canal bridge is currently closed.”
Now I’m in a panic and annoyed at the fact that today I will
just HAVE to be late.
But then I see a flock of people exit their cars, spouses
hold banners welcoming home their submariners and the coast guard is the first
vessel I spot. It’s on this occasion that I remember that while I may be late,
our heroes and their loved ones are serving our country and THIS is worth
stopping for.
It’s a matter of perspective because more so than not I’m
really just waiting for a personal vessel to pass through—but to think that the
text message that I received this morning could be a welcomed sigh of relief
from the family of a returning sailor is enough to make me stop and think.
Our coast guard boats are the protectors of this fleet of
service and they carry the responsibility of bringing the submarines in and out
of The Puget Sound. The view (when lucky enough to be in line close to the
bridge) is simply stunning.
I've caught myself wondering what it would be like to be on
one of those boats as I watch them part the way for the oncoming subs.
This
weekend is my chance and I am truly looking forward for the opportunity to meet
with a few of the members that serve aboard these vessels as we welcome two
Coast Guard boats to our Marina. On Saturday, April 12th from
11:30am-2:00pm I encourage you to join us for a tour of a 63’ and 33’ foot
Coast Guard vessel and the opportunity to talk to the crews in charge of each.
Here’s to hoping that the next time I’m stuck in traffic on
my way to work I pause to think, “This is worth it.” And I hope to see you this
weekend!
