A great teacher

Quite a few years ago now I was part of a group of friends on holiday with Jean and Joe on their narrow boat. I didn’t know Joe very well and, having grown up on another continent, found it hard to understand everything he was saying. (I am told that Joe was, anyway, a legendary mumbler). I loved being on the narrow boat and was keen to learn the ropes. Joe offered to teach me to steer the boat and so we travelled through a tranquil afternoon while I learned to navigate locks and unpredictable oncoming boats. Joe stayed calm and kind by my side, always encouraging, never panicking, and I was magically able to understand everything he said. He was a splendid teacher and that afternoon is a golden memory that I have treasured since then.