Memory 1. We are going back to 1986. We are on a family excursion on the Thames in England, my father and my twin brother. It's a sad trip because our mother just died a short time before. We hadn't traveled as much in our family because money was tight. But my father had decided that it should be a trip where we could relax and be together for a whole month. So he rents a river pram. We will sail up to Oxford from London.
The start of the trip goes well will also get around the different channels and shakes. We run aground in a channel because the boat's keel is too deep. My father and I jump into the water while my brother tries to steer the boat. Fortunately, there is a German tourist who comes by boat and helps us tow. A fun memory to have from that trip.
Memory 2. Now we are around 2011. It is the penultimate journey together with our father. We are going up to Greenland, where is my brother, he lives. His wife is from Jutland and they have meet each other up there. We have visited a few times.
As our father is becoming an elderly man, we decide to take a little longer trip. We sail from Kunuunnguaq to Nuuk. It is a pleasant trip. It takes a day on the sailing trip and we have the opportunity to relax and talk together in a different way than if you fly. It's like you have yourself with you in a different way.
On the trip we see these magical majestic giant mountains and talk to an old fisherman who tells about legendary adventures in the various fjords. About the woman who combs her hair and animals come. It was a really nice trip and I need my father's company, his stories about his life out as a captain on the sea.
Memory 3. 2019. For a time of confirmation. My brother's son Malik invited us to a festive because he missed us. It's a bit strange to be in Greenland again without our father. He passed away a few years before. Now our family is gathered and enjoying a big event. Malik is happy and shows us around his town, school and friends.
However, there is also another shadow over my own life. I had a terrible accident a year ago. Here I was told at the hospital that I would have difficulty walking again. The operation went better than expected. I got to walk again, but with a lot of difficulty/pain. Life has some strange twists and turns that you can't always predict.
On the journey in Nuuk, we visit Kapisillit. This small town has only 46 inhabitants and is located at the far end of Nuuk Fjord on the west coast of Greenland. Kapisillit is a small settlement and the only way to get around is on foot. Its center is very compact, and although there is a road that connects the settlement with the houses around the bay, there are no taxis. Here was the wildest wooden staircase up along the rock wall down from the harbour. I was terrified to say the least because I was walking with two crutches and had just gotten back on my feet.
But my sweet nephew Malik encouraged me and said: auntie everything will work out. And it did. We came up the steep stairs and saw the most beautiful view and the nice little town. A fond memory from a difficult time.
Memory 4. 2022. In a few months, my dear nephew will be 18 years old. He is well on his way to finding himself as a person. With job and education. Most important is that he has good values and is a nice person. He finds courage and faith in a world that is otherwise much more complicated than when I was young. I have thought a lot about what to give him besides all the love, good advice and support. Then came this project which has been a long time in the making. A little story about our family. Life goes on in circles, but we have to find our own way, make our own mark and share the joy while we are here.
