What do I know about Rig Workers or life on the Rigs You may Ask.
Absolutely nothing is my rigorous honest reply.
So it would be disingenuous to say otherwise.
The little bit I do know you can put in a Corn Cob or Clay Pipe
and smoke it.
Oh I have seen those fine hearty people walk out to Board the Big
Cougar Chopper that takes them out over the Briny Blue.
Proudly walking in formation in their lovely flotation Suits.
They look like a Space Shuttle Crew headed for some foreign
Galaxy somewhere over the horizon.
In a way they are heading to a Place where only workers go.
Not even families can show up at their work.
I find that aspect of it all sort of intriguing.
It is like an Undercover Cop or a CIA Operative.
Can’t really tell you what you do or show you
where you work.Had a friend once who worked as a Undercover Police Officer.
He asked me what do I say when people ask me what I do for a living.
Just say I work for The Government and I can’t really discuss it.
Sorry,I got off track there.
One thing I do know that can be related to Rig Workers or anybody who
have to leave families behind is The Loneliness of leaving family behind.
Especially with young kids.Missing Birthdays,First teeth,Hockey Practice.
When I was in The Military and leaving home for weeks on end.We did not always Celebrate on the day of the Birthday.We Celebrated while I was still home.People in New Relationships is difficult as well.Telling my Partner Lola when we first met.Sorry I am leaving next weeks for 3 months.
That is something most 9 to 5 workers don’t have to deal with.You become a visitor in your own home.Kids are like Who is this Guy? Most of the daily running of the Household including Bills was run by my Spouse.Time together is precious when it is less frequent.But it is hard on family life.I remember my Son telling me when he got Older that I used to tell him to put Mom on the Phone and not Chat very long with him.I was usually at a Pay Phone and paying by the minute.Broke my heart to hear he felt neglected.I know the feeling of living with lots of people.Everything in the Navy was a lineUp.Line Up for Chow.Line up to Shave.Always made myself a Salad because being a Steward I had access to the Galley and Washed up when most people were on Watch or snoozing.I hate lineUps.When I retired from the Service.I remarked to Lola and Aaron our Son that I could not believe how good they were treating me and they both said.Well yes because when You were in the Service You were never here.So there is a Price to Pay.Living in a nice Home.Going on All Inclusives,Having kids in good Schools.Having a good Pension Plan are all Perks of the life.If you are 30 Plus and have dark hair.Beware those Silver threads will be showing up early.Happened to me in my early 40’s.You will be full Bea Arthur or Cary Grant before you know it.Aging myself with those References.How about Brad Pitt and Jamie Lee Curtis?My Da has been gone since 2007.He had a big impression on me.I can still see him grin and say.”Sure that is nothing.It is all a job and you have to do something to keep the Wolf away from the door.”I remember telling him I wanted to Quit the Navy and get a real job.” Boy,don’t be so foolish he says.You have a Good job with a Pension.Stick it out and it will all work out.” I listened to his advice and I got to Retire at age 60.Now I can sit in my recliner and write silly short stories.Nothing is forever,Life is Short.Enjoy it while you can.One day you will look back and say It was fun.For all people who work away from home.Hats off to You or as my friend Mary Ann says.”A Big Bouquet of Flowers going out to them.”