Solitary Island

I have no idea where I am. I remember a boat sinking and people screaming, then blackness. I awoke on this island where it seems I am it's only inhabitant. I'm not sure how long I've been here, but counting the days I do remember, this is day 10 and I've saw no trace of another human being. There is a hut here that is very old, but livable for now. It keeps me somewhat sheltered in spite of it's dilapidated state and until I can find a way off this island that I have named 'Solitary Island'.

Funny how I used to dream of quiet times with no others around me, but having received this as reality I realize how terrible a dream that was. The quietness, the aloneness, the fear and so much more surround me at all times. They have become my constant companions. How I long for someone to talk to and help find a way off this island.

The island is beautiful, but when shared with no one it's beauty seems trivial. The white sandy beaches that surround the island are breathtaking. The trees, lush and green, filled with so many different tropical fruits keep me fed and fed well. The coconuts supply my water for now and a handmade fishing pole left by someone before me allows protein if used. I've never been one to camp so starting a fire took several days to learn. Luckily, a box of matches found inside the hut by a person who seemed to know that I would be arriving soon and be in need if them graciously left them behind. Fear of things that go bump in the night still frighten me, but all I can do is talk to God and ask Him to keep me safe. So far He has and I'm quiet sure He will continue to.

Nights are the worst here. The sky may be lit up with a full moon, but my mind can go a million different places at any one time. Did I hear something rustling in the brush? What would I do if so? Many nights I have lied awake begging for rays of daylight to come quick to rescue me from my own thoughts. Aloneness has it's own set of fears that always seems to pounce at the darkest of nights.

My daily schedule involves awaking early each morning and scouring the island looking for hope of some kind. Hope that a way off this island awaits me. I will know hope when I see it, but for now my hope of leaving this island remains just that - hope. It is hard to know the time, but as I have watched the sun set and the sun rise I have come up with a version of time, if only my time.

I fish some, I travel the paths of the island some and occasionally have found items I can use. I know others have been here, but who and why I do not know. I lay on the sandy beaches some and this passes time for a moment. Thinking and trying to remember how I ended up here always eludes me, as hard as I try to remember. Maybe one day soon I will have the answer. Sometimes at night I look up at the stars in the sky, twinkling and shining, such a beautiful sight to behold. Yet, the constant fear looming is, 'How do I escape Solitary Island?'

I swim at times and wash the only clothes I have in the sparkling waters off the beach. Things that were once necessities such as a hairbrush, toothbrush, soap and other items are now considered luxuries instead. I work with what I have and am eternally grateful for these things. I guess if anything this experience has taught me it is to be grateful for the things I have and more importantly to be grateful for other people in my life. How I wish those people would bombard me with things I once hated. Perspectives change when placed in situations never before experienced.

There is an old saying, 'Be careful what you wish for - you just might get it'. I know understand the meaning of this riddle that I used to think was silly. You never know what things will be like until you get them and it is different for every person. No one is the same.

I miss people and companionship more than anything. It gets lonely here and the space I so earnestly wished for before has long been filled. I wish for people, lots of people to surround me constantly. Having space is not what it is built up to be. No, we need others in our lives. We must have others in our lives to laugh with, to share with, to cry with, to anything with - people are a necessity for a complete life.

I have decided that Solitary Island is for those of us who need a lesson in life's important things. Beached here teaches people a lot of things. Different people need different lessons and this island provides those lessons or at least should provide them. For me, I can say that Solitary Island, as beautiful as it is, is just a stop in the road for me to learn a much needed lesson. We are not made to walk this life alone. We need each other with all the stuff that comes with each one. What a lonely world this would be if only I existed. Who would I share the beautiful things with? Who could understand and quiet my fears? Who would provide a shoulder for me to cry on? Who would I share a laugh with that is much needed at times? We were made to need one another whether it be receiving or giving, we all need others for all things in life.

I have learned a much needed lesson here and will remember it the remainder of my life. Now to find a way off Solitary Island. Hope to see you soon.