Two years ago when our acceptance to serve with Mercy Ships was reversed
in late 2010 we received many emails and messages of support. One came from a
former Navy shipmate who I had known since we were Uni Midshipmen together. David
had left the Navy for similar reasons to me and was now Managing Director of a
small but successful asset management company.
Anyway by March 2011 it was time for me to find a real job to pay the
bills and I was on the cusp of accepting one, albeit with some niggly naggly
doubts that it was the best job for me. Then the night before I was due to
start David rings me with the possibility of managing the Paying Off and
Disposal of my old ship, HMAS MANOORA. Not a firm job offer but the possibility
of one if he should get the contract for the task, if there was a task. Well I
prayed a bit and remembered a sermon about trusting God as you stepped out of
the boat. I then turned down the
job offer, in lieu of the possibility of one.
Two weeks later there was a contract for 3 months and a job for me as
the HMAS MANOORA Paying Off Availability Project Manager. Well in the last two
years this task has extended and grown to encompass a lot more including
project managing MANOORA’s sister ship, KANIMBLA, as well. And the job I turned
down – well I would have been working 60 hour weeks and spending at least half
my time in Darwin.
David has proved to be a fantastically supportive “Boss”. He “gets it”
that I left the Navy to have a real family work life balance and encourages
taking time out to do stuff at school with the kids, like helping out at
excursions or sports days or swimming carnivals. We work hard for our customer
and provide solid outcomes but we do not work ridiculous hours but nor do we
gouge our customers. We are honest, ethical and treat people fairly. All this
stems from his leadership.
When I broached the subject of us serving with Mercy Ships again he was
thoroughly supportive, not asking how my role might be covered but rather
asking how he might help and support us as we prepared to serve. Since then he
has paid for me to complete three courses: Working at Heights, Confined Spaces
and this week, an Open Water Diver Course; purchased new safety gear and
uniforms for me, provided financial support and offered to pay for drinks at my
farewell. He has even discussed how I might do some tasks remotely to keep the
coffers topped up. I don’t feel like I am leaving the company but rather taking
a sabbatical.
We have never spoken much about our faith together but in January this
year we attended the funeral of the wife of another ex-Navy Uni classmate whom
I had shared a flat with for 6 months in 1988. Liz and Andrew have four kids
and it was heartbreaking to see the kids farewelling their mother, aged only
46. Sharing this with David was special for me. We tried not to cry but failed.
Maybe we are becoming more aware of our own mortality. Maybe it was because Liz
was so young. Maybe it was because their children were so young. Maybe we were
thinking how would we manage in Andrew’s shoes if Tammy or Sarah were taken
from us so early. Probably a little of all of these. His grief and mine were
too much to contain but I am glad he was with me.
He christened me “Digby” 25 years ago, he danced at my wedding (a lot on
the floor in his ceremonial whites), he offered me support when I left the
Navy, he offered comfort when our first attempt at serving fell through, he
offered me a job and he willingly let me go when we applied to serve again and
has provided so much support as we prepare to leave and serve. He is a true
friend and I believe God placed him in my life to help me on this journey to
serve. He might not be coming to Africa himself but he has been instrumental in
us being able to serve. I am not sure you have been referred to as an angel
before, but I think you are one, David Coyle. Thank you.
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