3137. Sailing ship days © Bruce Goodman 7 March 2025

It was the year 1840. Abigail and her son Stephen had sailed to the end of the world to start a new life in a new country. Abigail’s husband and Stephen’s father, Jim, was to work his way to the new place on a whaling boat. Abigail’s ship would take only three to four months. Jim’s ship could take up to a year. On arrival, life was a challenge for Abigail and her son. She had to find somewhere to live. She had to find a job. Of course, she missed her husband’s help. Jack, who lived next door and had emigrated several years before, knew the ropes. He was a great help to Abigail. Abigail and Stephen waited for Jim’s ship to arrive. A year had passed. It could turn up at any time. Another six months passed. There was still no sign. Two years had passed. Clearly Jim’s ship had sunk at sea in a fierce storm or washed onto rocks. There were no report of any other ship on the ocean having seen Jim’s ship. Abigail had to face reality. Jim’s ship was lost. Jim was never going to arrive. Jack next door had been kind. He got on well with Stephen. He proposed marriage to Abigail and she accepted. It was a little wedding, but was indeed a happy day. It somehow put an end to the interminable waiting and consequent sadness. Life could now go on. Several weeks later Stephen rushed into the house. “Mum! Mum! Dad’s ship’s come in!” Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story