I snapped this photo out of my window this morning.
Seeing this big cruise ship being assisted to a wharf in a strong Wellington southerly wind, reminds me of one of the people I live with. He is a high achiever in a business that competes for our dollars. It must be hard for him having to slow down to our pace when he comes home.
Living in the same house, I have discovered that not only does he slow down and not try to act as though he is still on the high seas but he acts with the gentle firmness of the tug-boat. Big as he is, he has the art of approaching others slowly and of not getting into shallow water.
I have just returned from living for seven years in the South Island. A couple of days ago, I was sitting at home having afternoon tea with other residents, when a stranger was ushered it. He said that he might know some of us. I did not recognise him. But when his name was repeated I realized that he was an old school friend of mine. We had been at primary school together and ended up as prefects and members of the First XV (Rugby Football) at our secondary school. It took him about 10 minutes to recognise me, though we had sat side-by-side in a school photo.
He told me about other old school friends, who I had lost contact with half-a-century ago. I was very surprised at those who have been successful in the business world, who had done very poorly academically at school.
Good on them! I am sure there is going to be some more catching up to do.
