Beach walks with Dad

My father had a habit of collecting a bit of driftwood when he went for a walk on the beach.

When I look at his handwriting he is almost here beside me …or maybe in the next room watching tv

Later, he would write on it. Documenting the location, the date and sometimes, his companions.

He loved Sooke – used to encourage me to move there

Over the years, they piled up and made a little beach on a shelf… and then after he died, a beach in a box.

When he first retired to Vancouver Island he said he felt safe, like no one from work would ever find him

Last week Mum and I sorted through them and we each kept a couple but agreed the rest could go back to the ocean.

Waving goodbye

I set them free at my local beach.