Ascension : News From The Grotto -Thought For The Week
Submitted by The Islander (Shari Parkhill) 24.11.2011 (Article Archived on 08.12.2011)

This past week, as we prepare to enter the season of Advent, the season of new beginnings, I had to say good-bye to a very good friend, Gene Austin.

True Friendship

This past week, as we prepare to enter the season of Advent, the season of new beginnings, I had to say good-bye to a very good friend, Gene Austin.  He is enjoying a vacation with his family, spending Thanksgiving with them, and celebrating his son’s eighteenth birthday with him.

When his leave is over, Gene will be going on to Antigua to work there.  A new beginning for him; and one that he hopefully enjoys.  He certainly enjoyed his time on Ascension.  Gene is a quiet person, the type who makes friends slowly, but is the best of friends to those lucky enough to be invited into his circle.

Gene’s contributions to the Heritage Society are many and varied.  He has helped  out on so many projects.  We often would come up with an idea on a Saturday morning manning the Fort Hayes Museum, and within a few days, we were completing it.  I thank him for his creative ideas, hard work and encouragement over the years.  The Heritage Society has much to be thankful for in friends such as Gene.  Without people willing to give so much of their time and efforts, the history of this special little island would not be recognized and celebrated.

Over the years Gene and I have hiked much of Ascension.  We have found ourselves in some tricky situations, largely as a result of our carefree attitude.  We always joked that if one of us looked at a particularly inviting ravine, cliff, copse of woods, or anything that even remotely looked like a track and said “I wonder…..”, the other would answer “You know we have to try!”

As a result I have found myself in some rather frightening situations.  As afraid of heights as I am, it has taken many words of encouragement, lots of helpful hands, and even some kindly bullying to keep me going.  After the tears, Gene always made me feel so proud of myself for conquering the obstacle, and I was thankful to have such a friend who made me challenge myself. 

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." Ecclesiastes

We each had our falls and needed help to get back up, especially Gene at Goat Hole Ravine, and me at Summer Ridge.  But we had each other to help us get back up.

Gene is a deeply spiritual man, and was the driving force behind the renovations at the Grotto.  Having so few people attending, I admit I was getting a little discouraged last fall.  It was his idea to do a massive cleanup and reorganization.  He was the encouragement I needed.  And the results are something we can be proud of.  The Grotto looks wonderful, and we are still working on improvements.  I thank him for his vision and helping me on this project. 

“A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love and encourages you with hope."

A true friend is someone who is always there with a helping hand, physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Gene was that friend for me, helping me through all sorts of emotional challenges, and difficult times.  I was there for him as well.  True friends are there with encouragement and advice.  Sometimes the advice involves telling you to toughen up, the kind you don’t always want to hear, but exactly what you need at that moment.  And I think him for all his encouragement, and advice.

I remember all our hours spent clearing War Path.  We know that in time it will once again fade into the history of Ascension, but for a while others will be able to enjoy its interesting route and spectacular views.

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

Many an evening we walked back in the dark from our work on War Path, stumbling but knowing that we were there for each other. 

So, Gene, as you start your new adventures on Antigua, another island with spectacular scenery, fantastic hiking trails and fascinating heritage sites, may you continue your life’s journey with the same dedication, spirituality and contentment you came to find on Ascension. For all the time we spent together, Gene, I thank you.  You brightened my days here on Ascension, you made me a better person, braver, tougher and stronger.   

"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." - Ludwig van Beethoven

I will miss you, my friend, but wish you all the best in your future.  You will always be the awesome friend I met on Ascension who will forever hold a special place in my heart.  May you find peace, love, good friends, and joy everywhere you travel in this life that God has given us.

May the Compass Rose always point you in the right direction, and remind you of where your friends are.

May God bless Gene as he starts his new journey.  May He bless each of us on our own journeys, and may He always bless us with the very best of friends to make the journey more fun, challenging, and most of all, worthwhile.