Day 42 - SHELTER

This was quite a sight when Mr P and me were walking along Cleethorpes beach today. We'd seen it from a distance and thought it was boat that had been washed up. Or an old fort. But on the way we started talking to a local man who told us a bit of its story.

That it is, in fact, someone's home. A man who found himself homeless started to build a shelter out of driftwood a couple of years ago. And since then it's become a place of welcome and solace. For people to come and add messages to loved ones, present and departed. The man we spoke to said that it's become especially visited during lockdown. With people losing friends and family members. Or knowing those going through stuff. Physically, mentally, financially. Or whatever.

Apparently at night or when it rains or gets cold, the man who lives there  pulls over a tarpaulin and settles in. And just loves being there.

It was a shame he was out when we turned up. I would have loved to have talked to him. The way he lives so vulnerably and openly is quite a thing. Sharing his home with strangers. And helping them offload the tricky things, celebrate the good things or lay to rest the truly sad things. At such a time as this.

Here's hoping he's comforted by the messages of love that surround him. And sheltered by his shelter too. In all kinds of ways.