Simon Campbell

Posted at 1729 hours on 14/12/08 | Posted in Life, Diving

Seals and hallelujah: sweet & sour

Funny day today: I went diving with seals 200m from my house and then cried reading the paper with Jeff Buckley on the Radio.

Seal surprise…

It was beautiful day here in the Isle of Man, so I called up James Watson – one of my new diving pals here on the island – and made our way to Fort Island, which is round the corner from our house.

As I am trying to build up the number of underwater hours on my newish ‘Sentinel’ rebreather, I am even keener than usual to get into the water. Without a logged 50 hours (and that’s quite a lot of diving), I can’t progress to the ‘module two’ course, that I need.

We entered near the old jetty and as soon as I hit the water I felt a tug on my fin. Was it James trying to attract my attention or was it a seal who wants to play? Angela and I have walked down there many times and seen seals in the water and sure enough, there he was, effortlessly gliding around.

I have dived with seals many time before, but this seemed to be a very close and intimate encounter as he (and it was a he) was really close. Probably something to do with the lack of bubbles: what a lovely thing to do on a Sunday morning.

Hallelujah

When I returned home, following washing off my kit whilst drinking a cup of ‘Miso’ soup, I sat in the kitchen in a totally uncharacteristic scene of British domesticity. Angela was preparing dinner and I was reading the Observer.

I turned to the page describing the sickening events that had transpired in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province yesterday, where Sergeant John Manuel, Corporal Marc Birch, Marine Damian Davies and Lance Corporal Steven Fellows all of the mighty Royal Marines had lost their lives.

James, my eldest son, is serving with 45 Commando in Afghanistan. In that moment my heart and soul went out to the mothers, wives and families of those who had died for their country. I as read, the radio played the late Jeff Buckley’s version of the Leonard Cohen song Hallelujah. I wept.

Sweet and sour…

9 comments

1. Mike Taylor on 15/12/08 at 1433 hours

   Thanks for posting this Simon.  It isn’t very often that something makes me stop and think and wonder at life.  Very moving.

2. caroline reed on 15/12/08 at 1923 hours

   it sounds like you get lost in thought out there and forget about everything, my oh is also out in afghan and ive been so saddened by the news, x x x x

3. Liz Seaton on 15/12/08 at 2130 hours

   I would normally say ‘the sublime to the ridiculous’ but ridiculous is not a word anyone would use for what our brave brave lads are going through, and the sadness some families are having to bear especially at this time of year My lad is also currently out there and I know he would have loved to have been swimming with you and the seals - maybe one day soon
   x

4. Suzy Jennings on 15/12/08 at 2158 hours

   It was really sad to hear about them poor lads and what their families and friends must be going through is unreal.  Im still in shock from it,  my fiance is out there at the min.  It was a very moving piece you wrote Simon thanks. xx

5. Katya on 15/12/08 at 2228 hours

   As sung by Jeff Buckley, it is one of the most moving song’s I’ve ever heard and I understand your tears, as with Caroline and yourselves, my OH is too serving with 4-5 out in Ghanners.  And the waiting is terrible :(

6. Simon on 16/12/08 at 0858 hours

   Blimey. Thank you for your comments - not a lot else to say really.

7. Eileen Brown on 16/12/08 at 0935 hours

   Hey Simon, thanks for you’re interesting and compelling story ! My son is serving with 45 cdo W coy too, sometimes its all to much as we know, but there are some moments that are painfully joyful if you know what i mean !.

   All good wishes to you and yours

   Proud Mum of RM 45 W coy

8. Sarah Leaver on 16/12/08 at 1040 hours

   Simon what a moving piece can so relate to your feelings -especially again today.
   Horrible times.
   My hubby is with Jim in Victor.  I agree with Katya -the waiting is terrible. X

9. Nan Turner on 18/12/08 at 1619 hours

   My son who is serving with V Coy FOB KJI, loves to dive.  He told me when he gets back next year he wants to go to Egypt on a Diving Holiday.  Your blog reminded me of the peace and solitude of the dive.  I am sure my son will have many stories to tell but I am looking forward to his diving stories the most.  Enjoy the deep.  Proud mother from far off land in Canada, by the way the best diving in the world off the coast of British Columbia.  Anytime, come visit.

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