Memorial for a Son of Hornby

It has been more than a trying first two weeks of July here on our fair isle. Two elders in the community passed and a teenage young man has been declared a 'missing person presumed drowned'. Our neighbours, friends, acquaintances and even a number of island visitors have been deeply affected by this loss. Through it all, once again, we see where we are, who surrounds us, and how fortunate we are to live here. This was a good choice.

We have experienced more births and deaths on this island in the four years we've lived here than in a lifetime living in the city. The peaks and valleys are much more pronounced; it is never very far from your own doorstep. We've come to love this place and with each grandiose high and every heartbreaking low, we love it even more.

Next weekend the island will be participating in a memorial for Orlando that will see the whole community gather on our biggest beach and remember this boy. His mother has asked us to scatter rose petals, launch small craft into the water and send off floating votive candles.  It will be both a joyous and sorrowful occasion, but it will be all that this island has to give - that much is certain - and it will be fantastic.