My mom and aunt found an old copy of their great grandfather's (Jeremiah Watts) whaling journal when sifting through an assortment of artifacts in a relatives basement. Something made my mother pick up the tattered papers and begin reading the odd script on the page.

I remember her telling me that she had an overwhelming feeling that she needed to tell the story! She noticed that Jeremiah had started writing the first chapter about the snares and pitfalls he encountered during the four years (1845-49) he was on the whaling vessel.

Of course, like so many of us, life gets in the way of creativity and doing what we want to do, so the manuscript was never finished. Jeremiah's story was never told.

After my mother's passing, I revisited the journal once again and felt the desire to continue the search for Jeremiah's voice. While I didn't know a lot about Jeremiah, I knew from his journal entries he was the type of person I would have liked, if I had met him.

It took me over two years to research and write about his adventures and the dire warnings he hoped to share with the coming generations.

Jeremiah was a boy of real flesh and bones, with the same youthful dreams and wishes we all experience. I enjoyed bringing his story to light. I hope he approves!