Here's Deborah Capes!

If any of you were in St. Columba's Primary School back in the late 60s, you'll remember my closest English buddy, Simon Capes.

Here's a pic of his memorable sister who was about two years younger than him. Some of you would have been classmates with her, I'm sure.

She was in Miri visiting old familiar places and her family--she's now happily married to an ex-Sri Lankan ruby star--spent some wonderful time with us.

What a marvelous warm caring woman she is! My kid really loved her and she's holding him in the pic.

Several years later, her brother Simon, actually, Captain Simon Capes, formerly with the Royal Navy, stayed with us for about two weeks. Next time I'll share pics of those thrilling two weeks in Miri and you will be amazed with how much the once young handsome English boy has changed!

If any of you wish to contact any of them, do let me know and I'll provide the addresses in London and Sri Lanka, with their permission first, of course.

Courage for All

Invictus

-William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.