Skip to main content

Thank you Gambit


I had the honour of accepting an award for the amazing dolphin Gambit. Last night eThekweni municipality hosted the 8th annual 'Living Legends' award ceremony at the international convention Centre in Durban. The ceremony was lavish and attended by celebrities and politicians and those in the know.  I felt out of my depth but had prepared with make up and even nail polish for the occasion.  What an honour to be there for Gambit. So no matter the discomfort 100% commitment was required.
A lovely video depicting Gambit's role in the South African Association for Marine Biological Research preempted the call to stage.  A Hollywood style setting. Then it came time for the acceptance speech. I looked across the large room and was blinded by the lights. And I felt blank.  I did not say all I wanted to share.  I did not honour Gambit enough.  Not that one ever could.  So. Here goes.  These are the words I would try to use to put the legendary Gambit on the pedastal where he belongs. Words that have to live in the ether forever.  Share them with everyone.  
"When one considers a living legend one thinks of a being who is unashamedly themself. Someone who shares their essence in every moment of their existence.  A soul who is generous with the truth.  A body who is unconditional.  These thoughts are Gambit. He is not about a cause or a desire.  He is not campaigning or hoping.  He is loving large.  He is present in every moment with 100%. This whole-heartedness is Gambit-the  inspiration.  
When anyone has the good fortune to be in the presence of Gambit we feel the essence of gratitude.  We are effortlessly driven to love.  There is no space for doubt or apprehension.  There are very often tears. In my  experience the tears are shed in joy.  It is as though the experience of Gambit's moments are a reminder that there is something bigger and more real. 

Gambit has the best sense of humour.  He laughs and is mischievous in the most playful way.  He is curious and spontaneous and creative.  Does this make him a legend? Oh yes.  Over and over again.  He has called the millions of people he has inspired in the last 40 years to stand on the beach and look at the sea with a new perspective. He  has planted the seed in all of us to care for the oceans.  He has opened our hearts. 
Gambit has met many celebrities.  He has also met many underprivileged and suffering people.  And with all of them he has  shared that same inspiration. 
Gambit is a father and grandfather. He has provided us with a family of dolphins to treasure.  
To effectively accept an award on behalf of this legend is not possible. He is larger than life.  Love epitomised. And there are many who have shared his life who should have walked up the star-studded stage with me last night.  I had you all in mind.  I was not expecting to feel emotional.  But I did.  And grateful that in our interesting political climate our city was  able to honour an animal in this way.  It is easy for us animal people to celebrate Gambit the legend. It is wonderful that people less concerned with animals and conservation did.  

Love you Gambit.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you!!!

Sent from Samsung Mobile

Comments

Post a Comment

Thank you for connecting💕

Popular posts from this blog

What is success?

Success is not giving a hoot.  If you can be a 45 year old cat woman playing in front of 3000 people, totally uninhibited, then you are succeeding.  Because if you are able to do that, you are in the present moment, not caring about what anybody else thinks.  Not worried about their judgements or how you think you should be coming across.  (ok, so I was a little worried, so not 100% successful, but I continue to strive to be free of this nonsence) When you have that presence of mind in front of animals, that is when you are succeeding. 
Post a Comment
Read more

A Lesson in Surrender

  I always found the concept of surrender a cop out.  Something one would do if one was too weak to take on a situation.   So, when I found myself in a situation where I am unable to follow my passion in the most effective manner, I experienced great discomfort.  Speaking up was immediately taken as judgement.  Even though it was never intended as that.  The presumed judgement resulted in defence.  And the drama began, and unfolded.   Chasms and vindication ruled.  Frustration and finger pointing. What has this to do with animals?   For those of us that work with animals, they are like kids.  They sense how we feel.  Our moods affect them.  So, when this type of angst environment is created, the disturbance affects the creatures that we love. The lesson – stop the angst.  It is not worth upsetting the animals.  Nothing is.  So, surrender.  Not sure where this will go.  But I am here righ...
Post a Comment
Read more

cove slaughter

I am saddened and battling to understand people again.  The cove dolphins are cordoned off, awaiting slaughter.  Some being taken to dolphin facilities world wide.  How do people stand there and do this?  How do they sleep at night with those decisions in their head?  Then again how do we all?  Driving to a bird sanctuary yesterday I saw a cattle truck on its way to the abattoir.  What is the difference?  Then I saw a bearded vulture at the sanctuary.  Only 320 of the left in the world and they are planning wind generators in their area – a certain death certificate.  Here is a prayer – look into the eyes of an animal.  Or a human.  See them for the miracle that they are.  Then make choices that are respectful and loving.  As yourself – What would love do?  I am so grateful that I am surrounded by animals.  And so grateful that there is no effort required for me to care for them. 
Post a Comment
Read more