Lydia sat down on a bench outside of her cabin.  It was one of her favorite places to sit and admire the ocean, for it was placed facing the stern of the ship.  She overlooked the deck, swarming with sailors.  Aidan sat down beside her and sighed happily.  “Nice to be back, isn’t it?”

Lydia nodded and scuffed at the wooden floor with the toe of her boot.  A frown began between her eyes and she asked, “Aidan, do you think Mama will be okay alone for so long?  I mean,” she dropped her voice to just above a whisper.  “The baby is due in about only three months.  Do you think we’ll be back in time?”  Aidan shrugged and looked at her with an amused look.  “If Father didn’t think we would be back in time he wouldn’t have left.  Besides, Mama is quite capable of having a baby on her own,” he ended sarcastically.  Lydia sighed.  “I guess.  I just…”

“Well, what have we here?” boomed a loud, Australian accented voice above them.  Lydia and Aidan forgot their worries and greeted the friendly second mate with a smile.  Aidan jumped up and shook hands with the big man, and Lydia nodded politely.  “Back for the trip, eh?” Ross rumbled.  Lydia smiled and replied, “Yes, we’re back.  And it’s good to be back!”  And she meant it.  Ross’ laugh bellowed throughout the ship.  “We could use your help, Mate,” Ross gestured to Aidan.  Aidan grinned and waved to Lydia as he and Ross ambled away.  Lydia sighed again and sat back against the cabin wall.  As the crew settled in she decided that it was time to talk to God.  Lydia had become a Christian 7 years ago and had a close relationship with God.  She found herself talking to Him at various times during the day, just like she would a friend.  “Father God, I pray that you protect my Mama while we’re gone.  Help her, and the baby.  Give me and Aidan and Father peace during this trip and help us to have no set-backs – Your will be done.  Thank you, Lord.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”  Lydia stood up and walked over to the rail overlooking the sparkling ocean.  Then she heard the familiar hobble of Duke, the oldest sailor on board.  Duke, who was 70, had lost a leg during a battle.  Since then Captain Boit had kept him on not out of compassion, but happily.  Duke was like a father to just about every man on board, and was always ready with an encouraging word or scripture from the Holy Bible.  Duke nodded to Lydia and admitted, “I overheard you talkin’ to our Father.  Ya know, He’ll take care of yo’ Mama.  ‘Side’s, Mrs. Captain Boit ain’t one to break down.  She’s strong, ‘spite her size, like you.”  Lydia blushed and thanked the old sailor gratefully.  Any kind of encouragement helped a lot.  “Join me for dinner, Duke?” she asked cheerfully.  The weathered sailor shook his head and laughed, “Ya act like ‘er, too.”  Lydia watched him amble off as Derry came up to her.  “Dinner’s ready, Lyd.  Uncle Allen wants ya in his cabin for the first night on board.”  Lydia hugged her younger cousin and they walked off together.

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