The expectations are good; it remains dry and our sailing guest today has said from the UMC that he is really looking forward to it. Skipper Ton is on board early and loads water because we are expecting a large group. Boots Aleid walks past Hema to pick up the prepared sandwiches and profiteroles. The young saleswoman is extremely involved in the Vaarwens and explains with a red heart that she really doesn’t know how to do that if dairy is not allowed on the sandwiches (our guest’s wish). So no butter and no cheese, but there are delicious meats and fish today. It is touching how everyone thinks and does their best to make the Farewell Days a great success!
And there they are, our guests, right on time! Monica (born 1960) comes with her partner Harry and has asked her friends/colleagues Marjolein, with partner Patrick, Bea, Eline, Monica and Mary Jane to experience this special day. Monica was admitted to the UMC for examination and was given “free time” to sail today. About a year ago, she was taken away from her intensive work as a teacher overnight and never returned to her students. The tumor in her head causes all kinds of symptoms and her mobility is also limited.
The mood is good and cheerful and fortunately Monica loses her tension and she can start enjoying herself. The sailing direction is determined and while enjoying coffee and profiteroles we head starboard from the harbor towards Zaanse Schans. Harry spent his childhood in Landsmeer and is amazed at the changes on the banks of the IJ and the Zaan and talks about how common it was then to swim in the IJ. After the first cup of coffee, the second and third follow and although they had decided not to talk about their shared background in education, soon all they talk about is the pedagogical climate and the wonderful but sometimes difficult experiences at work. It is expressed how Monica is missed at school. During this animated conversation, Monica’s nails are manicured until we moor at Houtzagmolen Het Jonge Schaap.
Monica stays on board and takes a nap in the chair, but the other guests visit the mill and return enthusiastically. We enjoy the dairy-free lunch and ask if Monica can tell us anything about the mill on board. Well that’s possible! A volunteer talks about the history of the hundreds of windmills and the prosperity they brought to the Zaan region. Now that’s quite a speech!!
On the way back, Eline takes over the helm from Ton and steers us safely, but sometimes a bit turbulently, back to the harbor via side channel H. Tired, satisfied and with happy memories, we say goodbye to Monica and her dear friends. A beautiful day, a nice chat with friends again and a break from the medical process.
Goodbye Monica
Thanks to all sponsors who made this day possible for free. Would you also like to help make Sailing Wishes possible? You can donate here and here you will find more information about the Vaarwens foundation and how to apply for a Vaarwens.
