Letter to Ann

Dunedin traditionally marks the arrival of the first albatross by ringing church bells. The bells of First Church tolled around the city at lunchtime today to welcome the albatross back for the 2014 season.

Dear Ann,

On the 7^th of November I waited.
I waited and scanned the crowd looking out for you. All the team were there, where were you?

I waited and watched for you to breeze in like you always did. Fresh from your latest adventure. Gliding in from some far off port.

Like the guardians at Taiaroa Heads waiting for their Royal Albatross to return each year, I waited in anticipation. I searched the horizon between the scraggy grey clouds.

No sign of our Queen, no sign of our royalty.  

Your arrivals were always heralded with great joy, hugs and instant chatter. You lit up the room, like a sunrise. Your warm greetings and interest in our affairs drawing us into the fold.

When the cathedral emptied on that dreary Friday, it was raining. Even the sky was crying. As the black vehicle departed with your white coffin, I looked up, between the grey clouds I spotted a seabird. She did a slow 360 degree turn and headed out to sea.

They say that an albatross represents the lost soul of a sailor.
Lost to us perhaps but free to soar the wild ocean winds.


Photo Credit: Angus Wilson

Thanks for the happy memories.

Bernice

Ann Barbarich 28th March 1955 - 28th October 2014
787, 747, 737, glider, parachutist and helicopter pilot.
Dearly loved wife, devoted mother and warm loving friend.