All day long she sat in her small tower and watched the horizon. She had the harbor log, knew the names and the origins of the ships that arrived that day.
She greeted them all the same way. She turned on the microphone, played the anthem of their country, welcomed them in several languages.
She knew the details of every ship.
The years went by, and one day her tower was empty.
Sailors from all over the world showed up that day she was laid to rest. They all saluted and said goodbye.
“Farewell my friend, travel safely.”
(Word count: 99)
Years ago I traveled to Hamburg, Germany, and found a place, right at the harbor called “Willkomm-Hoeft.” There, every day ships are welcomed and bid farewell with their national anthem. I spent a few hours in the cafe, ate too much cake and watched the big and the small ships passing by. Today’s photo brought back some nice memories.
Fridays Fictioneers are held by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
I liked both your story and your telling about the welcoming of ships in Hamburg, Germany. 🙂 — Suzanne
I agree with many of the comments here. You certainly have a lovely way of expanding on your personal experiences by extending them with some fiction. I just had to find out if this is still done. According to Wikipedia, I was happy to discover that it is! This type of welcome is now needed more than ever. Wouldn’t it be great if something like this could be started somewhere in the US?
This is a fascinating story, made even more poignant by its being grounded in fact. Very nicely told.
Thank you so much!
A great human story. It is so good to know about Willkomm-Hoeft.
The world need people like her…I so much hope that someone takes the challenge forth
Lovely story, t was good they remembered her when her time came
This is so touching. I love that it is based on an actual tradition. Thank you for sharing this.
I am glad you liked it
What a wonderful story. She touched so many lives in a positive way. An example we should all try to emulate.
Yes, that would be nice.
Sad and touching at the same time. I would love to know if anyone made the effort to meet her before she died.
Someone once said, “A life is measured on how the people react when you die.”
I want to think she was happy during her life. She reached out, welcomed the world at a time where many close their doors. A life well lived, comes to mind.
A lovely story of human kindness.
Love the sweetness and reverence that run through this story. There is a feeling of a life well lived and a well remembered.
“A life well lived,” I like that.
A lovely story.
Thank you!
There is something in this that makes me think of a princess in a tower, but although she’s regal, she’s no prisoner. She feels more like a Queen, welcoming people to her land, and was due a royal goodbye when she could no longer say hello.
I like that.
That’s a lovely way to greet ships as they arrive 🙂
Sweet and touching piece.
Beautiful!! Such niceness and kindness is what is needed. I am truly moved by this story.
What a wonderful memory and great tradition. I love the way you weave a piece of fiction from a piece of your life.
Only if the memory is worth weaving. 🙂
What a beautiful story.
Just goes to show how much a little something you do can be appreciated by a large group…
So true. Thank you for reading, Dale.
Lovely, many year back I sailed into Hamburg, a great experience. Thanks for recalling the memory
That just made may day.
This is lovely!
Thank you
What a lovely tradition to have. Liked this a lot.
I am glad! 🙂
What a wonderful tradition.. and a beautiful story.. <3
It’s a stunning place. The history of each ship was very interesting. I loved that the world was welcomed. That’s the way it’s suppose to be.
Yes… it was…. Such a shame so many now are so suspicious of each other when they now arrive on a different shore. <3
Dear Bridget,
A fitting end for someone who made others feel welcome…whether fictional or not you made me really like her in few words. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thank you, Rochelle.
How wonderful that the tale is based on a true experience. Great memory of people being kind, global citizens.
They still do it to this day. It started in 1952 and hasn’t changed. It impressed me.
Wonderful story!
A lovely tale inspired by a lovely tradition and a fitting end for your harbour worker. Nicely done
Thank you Lynn. This weeks prompt brought back memories.
My pleasure 🙂
I love this. It was so touching and I could picture it all. Beautiful your experience too. You have such a rich life experience
It’s a beautiful tradition that they started in Hamburg. I was fascinated by it, had never heard of it.
I am glad you liked it.