Often I get requests from different people,-work colleagues, friends, internet pals,-write something, will you?They know I like writing, it has always been easy for me and during my school years I've written many essays instead of my classmates.That carried through to an adulthood, and so far has been fine, I just kept writing and enjoying it until... Until at Seafarer Help I suddenly discovered that there might be situations when my words could hirt or sadden somebody. What if I have to let them know that we can't help, or that they actully are signed off for a reason and thir performance at work was concidered to be poor? And, the most terrifying possibility: what if I have to inform some unfortunate family, that their father, son or uncle died at sea?

All these "what if's" could turn into a trying reality any time. It is of course lovely and very satisfying to give people good news and hear how their voices start to shimmer with joy. However, it cannot happen in every case we deal with. Yesterday I had to say to a person who worked on ships as a cook for all his life, that entire crew was deeply dissatisfied with his performance. Under such circumstances we can't actually help, and no-one can. Seafarer simply has to cut his losses and bare grim reality, there are also lessons to be learned, and if they are a right person, philosophical attitude. Not much else. It is difficult, very difficult!

As a charity we still can listen and help someone just by being compassionate. It means a lot to those who work at sea. After months of being in an enclosed environment and seing the same faces day after day, a new and sympathetic listener could be seen as a real treasure. Even if this listener is unable to help practically and is a barer of not exactly pleasant news. But we shouldn't loose a side of the fact that any true information is bringing clarity and stopping confusion. Therefore by releasing it we are already helping the person concerned and shouldn't be shy about it. Work at ISAN certainly tought me that any truth makes complicated situations much easier and is a beacon, or perhaps a lighthouse in our case.