He got up in the middle of the night. He didn’t sleep all night anyway and probably will not for the next few days.  They will pick him up before dawn, so they do not miss their first flight.

“This is the last time”, he thought as he kissed his sleeping children goodbye. The most honest lie ever heard. He meant it from the bottom of his heart, yet everyone already got used to this lie.

He was born and raised next to the sea, at a time when everyone was lacking money and one did not see much further than its hometown. The only person in his family who could take a deep breath was his uncle, a SEAMEN. He and many other boys were dreaming about far countries, white uniforms, spread sails, their first bike or a car, and many other things they knew they will not be able to have for many years ahead. The school was next door. The light blue doors of the Maritime University were next door. The tradition was calling, but also the need was calling. Until he saw the reality, it already became his life.

He said goodbye to his family and left. The van picked him up. Although there were more people in it, it became the most silent van ever. They were all already tired. Again, he did not manage to do everything he wanted. The time at home, no matter how long he stays, is always too short. “Goodbye my life”, he thought. “Welcome annoying engine noise, unbearable heat, ship vibrations, storms, seasickness. What will be this time? A pirate attack, stowaways, some new virus, will someone die like last time?  Welcome fatigue, exhaustion and lethargy in every corner, every moment of my day and night”.

Being a seaman is an important job. They contribute a lot to the world economy as they are responsible for about 90% of the world’s trade. Food, fuels, various raw material, and manufactured goods are transported by sea.  Because of this, seamen are people who earn good money. They are lucky not to depend on the economic situation in their place of residence. Their whole family is also financially secured. It can be heard very frequently, the famous sentence: “It is easy for him, he is seamen”. But who they are? Or who do they have to be?

I know you. You are born with a strong character, and you must be. Your life at sea, with long voyages, difficult maneuvers, never-ending nights spent in boring watches, creates a sadness in such a strong way that even your facial expression becomes gloomy. You are trying to hide it, but you can’t. I feel your grief for the homeland and your great desire to return home. It is not easy being out there alone without anyone of your own. I saw your pain when you missed your child being born, his and her birthday, or when you lost your closest family members and could not even come to the funeral. I know that every grief you feel stronger than I do.

Thank you for always coming to see me the first day when you arrive back, as I understand you just need to rest and be home without any spectacular plans. I know you are looking for morning coffee and reading the newspaper in peace. I also see your wife at home coping with loneliness and higher responsibility for your home and children. They also have problems in constant adaptation to double life and they fear for your health and life on the ship. I know it is not easy for both of you.

“Hi, I am here. Arrived 2 days ago, took over my duties, slept for a couple of hours, and finally sat down to call you”, he sighed deeply. What I saw in his eyes and voice at this moment is the biggest truth.

I am aware your job is not easy, but I know that most probably, you will do it again. This is who you are, this is what you are good at.  But just to know, once you decide IT IS ENOUGH, we will all be here.

Salute my Captain, let St. Nicola protects you and calm your turbulent waters.

To my brother, and my mum’s brother, and all the loving brothers, fathers, sons, and husbands, waiting to return home.