This sketchbook story is the first in a summer trilogy of illustrations from my grandfather’s sketchbook.
My father: not your traditional dad. He dived with Jacques Cousteau, worked for Scripps and the Smithsonian, explored Greenland, published three books, travelled to nearly 50 countries.
He was an environmentalist before “eco” and “green” were trending. Obituaries fascinated him. He owned dozens of Saabs, collected antiques and old houses and books and wives. He made a mean oyster bisque for Christmas. He adored his 22-year-old cat, Gilbert.
He loved sailing and islands, lighthouses and the sea.
Last year was our last Father’s Day together; five days later, he took his final sail. The ocean was always his favorite escape.
I did not inherit my grandfather’s artistic skills, but we do share a love for writing poetry. Here’s one of my recent poems, “lunaSea,” recently featured on Maine Public Radio.
A tender poem, Amie. My brother and I found the navy and our oceans, growing up in landlubber, Pa. He owned a Saab turbo and loved it. I feel like embracing oceans, and their understanding helps unpackage life. Thanks for sharing for us all.
Beautiful!!!!!! All of it is wonderful!!! You write so well and are so creative that I'm certain that your father would be proud of your tribute!! 💚💚