On the spur of the moment, and it felt like it, I made a dash across the water two days ago. Otherwise I would have been stuck, or something like stuck. Instead of being able to celebrate Christmas with a branch of the family tree, and his wife and family, I might have been home alone, and without Kevin to entertain me. I did prepare for the big-ass winds and the faulty ferry situation, I did. I bought a whisky/marmalade cold smoked salmon steak from Tobermory Fish, some wee potatoes from heaven knows where and a pack of frozen peas. I would have made it fun, with or without Kevin, I know I would.

But, thanks to Someone, in this case my sea captain son who knows all about winds and faulty ferries, I dashed early. My ticket, also faulty and dated for Christmas Eve, was accepted and I ran down the ramp in the rain and wind blast and prayed for arrival. I have, in the past felt this, only to have a heart sink as the ferry turned back because landing was not possible. I can remember other ghastlies in my life and that is right up there.

I’m here, warm and welcomed and surrounded with very small someones, each one full of their own angsts, needs, troubles and dreams. It reminds me, although I find myself a tad distant nowadays, not really understanding the language, the lifestyle. I am a granny now, older, but still a Someone. We have walked into the blast, through puddles and a bit of rain but not much, woolie bonnets on, boots afoot, conversation and song flying up into the sky. Mince pies, nourishing soup, a visit to the food shop, encounters in doorways, smiles and felicitations exchanged, trolleys bumped, the indie dash down the aisles for chocolates, treats, more bacon. So many Someones on the way, to bump against, smile at and notice, Every single one of these Someones are Someone. I never forget that. All those we might not notice, those who serve us day in, day out and over years. Do we even ask their names? They are all Someone.

I have learned, over longtime, to separate the Someones from the fog of controlled humanity. I lived through many culture changes, many wars, many geographical border swings and roundabouts. A swirl, a confoundment and not just for me, me, over here in the West with no apparent threat. I think of the Someones caught up in it all, lost, wondering and wandering and I just hope that Someone will see them as Someone. 

All it takes is a smile, eye contact, a tiny hesitation and a hand held out.  So much of enough.