On this day in 1969, amidst a huge storm, Corky’s family swam into Pender Harbour on British Columbia’s Sunshine coast. Perhaps they were seeking protection. They found the opposite. When the news spread, fishermen sprang into action, and by dawn the whales were encircled by nets. Corky’s life as a captive began on that day, it continues today, 20,089 days later.
We keep saying this: Unbelievable! Perhaps I should put it in caps, make it bigger and bold it:
UNBELIEVABLE!!
Whatever form the word takes, the meaning is clear. Corky’s ability to withstand the stresses of her life, completely shut off from the ocean and her family, everything she was born into, is virtually beyond comprehension. I say “virtually” because I think I know she does it. Patience.
Corky is extraordinarily patient, knowing there are people around the world who want her to come home and meet her family again, and is waiting for them to succeed. She’s a bit like a prisoner in a cell marking the days with scratches on the cell wall.
There is no chalk for her to scratch marks with of course and they wouldn’t last in water anyway, Meanwhile, she practices the calls of her infancy, and they take her home.
On the outside, work continues on the retirement home being prepared for her on Hanson Island/Yukusam. Soon, the bay will be free of septic contamination, so she will swim in pristine waters when she comes home.
We know that many people who read this will be asking “what can I do?”.
On this special day:
Light a candle for Corky.
Find someone who doesn’t know about her and share her story.
Paul & Helena
