Last Goodbye

Yesterday, I drove down to Hampshire to scatter my father's ashes in the sea. Maureen, my Dad's second wife and I were able to fulfill my Dad's final wishes.  He had a great love of the sea, having served in the Royal Navy, and then the Submarine Service during WW2.  He spent many years sailing during his long retirement.  Dad was a one-off and much loved. I miss him terribly.  I took a small posy of forget-me-nots and bluebells to scatter on the sea.

Eternal Father, strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard

And hushed their raging at Thy word,

Who walkedst on the foaming deep,

And calm amidst its rage didst sleep;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood

Upon the chaos dark and rude,

And bid its angry tumult cease,

And give, for wild confusion, peace;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,

For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!

Our brethren shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect them wheresoe'er they go;

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.