Inspiring Encounters

Life as a traveling Papillon is always interesting, but over the past several weeks we have been blessed with some particularly inspiring encounters, acts of kindness and supremely good-hearted humans! While media generally reflects on all that is wrong with the world, from my vantage point often, on the end of leash, people can be quite extraordinary!

This week while walking the docks with Mom and Dad, we came across an interesting looking boat. It had a strange looking arch in the back and was unlike anything else we had seen. There was a gentleman onboard who was kind enough to come out and share its story. Turns out, the boat is Wavester and its story is beyond inspiring. The owner is a Danish gentleman, Anders Lehmann who was paralyzed in an accident years ago. He’s a brilliant engineer, an avid sailor, and a philanthropist who also happens to be a quadriplegic. He had a dream to sail his own boat across the Atlantic Ocean and he did it! Being an engineer, he designed systems that would allow him to sit up, laydown, helm by mouth, have safety in a protected cockpit which could be reconfigured open on days when he wanted to enjoy the sun, wind and waves. While Anders story is amazing in and of itself, the story becomes even more inspriring when you learn about the fellow friends, sailors and caretakers, 7 in total who accompanied and supported him to make his dream a reality. And he’s not stopping there! He has returned to Denmark with a dream to share his design and experience with others who are challenged by handicap. Wow! What a way to pay it forward?! While we didn’t get the opportunity to meet Anders in person this time, we were awestruck by the story. You can learn more by reading stories that have been published here and here. The story should be made into a movie!

While our other encounters may have been less spectacular, they have been a testament to the goodness and kindness of people. Were it not for me, Mom and Dad never would have met WesThePetTaxi guy in Antigua. Wesley is a guy who saw a local need for a car service that would allow pets. Turns out, not everyone is pet friendly and some locals were having a hard time getting their animals to the vet. The local buses turned them away. Can you imagine not being able to get your sick pet to the vet? Wesley had a heart for the need and decided to start a business. But he doesn’t stop there. Wesley donates a day a week of his own time to collect stray animals on the island and bring them to the vet for spaying, neutering and other basic needs. I’ve met so many of these island dogs on my daily walks with Mom and Dad. They are sweet and gentle for the most part, but are often quite sickly and malnourished. Many people on the island try to help leaving out food, adopting strays and providing water, but there is certainly a need and Wesley is offering such an important service for the island and the animals. Mom was blessed by Wesley who responded right away when Mom couldn’t get answers from the government vet. Without any expectation of payment, Wes volunteered to be a conduit sharing information back and forth from the government vets. He not only assured Mom the vet knew I was coming in from the French islands, but help to validate my paperwork was in order AND cooridinated my customs entry appointment! Simply amazing. He saw Mom’s desperation and volunteered to help.

Shortly after returning to Jolly Harbour, Mom and Dad called for a human taxi and met Lunch. Lunch is a kind gentleman and a fellow foodie. He talked with Mom and Dad about food and his love for the island. He talked about how people in Antigua helped one another after the hurricanes. He talked about how there was no looting, just people taking care of each other helping to repair roofs, feeding one another and cleaning up. He talked about young boys who would finish working on one house and just move to the next neighbor who needed a hand. He told us where to find great local island food at Aunty Cavell’s and took us there the very next day. The food was delicious and truly a locals hotspot. We went on a Sunday and everyone was dressed in their Sunday best. What a treasure?! They even let me join, but they don’t generally allow pets. The next day on WhatsApp Lunch sent a note. It said, “Blessing for the New Week. May your week ahead be filled with: Blessing of Good health, Strength, Friendship, Kindness, Compassion and love. May God bless you and your love ones and keep you safe"

Then there is Michael who works at the marina as the dock master. Mom and Dad love him. He is so kind and patient. He always makes docking a breeze. He gives good and clear instructions, he always says to Dad, “Doing good Cap!” or “No worries, no rush, take your time.” He has a heartwarming smile and a heart of gold. When Mom complimented him the other day he responded, with an acknowledgement that patience is an important virtue and he does his best to extend it to his customers everyday. He talked about how good people make all the difference. I couldn’t agree with him more.

These are just a few of the inspiring encounters we have experienced over the last week. I will pay forward the blessing Lunch shared to each of you who take the time to read this post,

“Blessing for the New Week

May your week ahead be filled with:

Blessing of Good Health, Strength, Friendship, Kindness, Compassion and Love.

May God bless you and your love ones and keep you safe"