Tybee Island Lighthouse
In navigation a lighthouse is a beacon that guides the way for vessels coming into port. In darkness it illuminates a bright light from the shore to guide a vessel into a safe passageway or warns them of dangerous waters in an area at sea. During the day, a lighthouse can be identified by its daymark, the unique pattern that distinguishes it from other lighthouses.
One of my first jobs as a teenager was a summertime volunteer position as a lighthouse tour guide. I would climb the 170+ steps to the top of the light and wait for tourists to arrive. Once there, I would tell them some historical facts about the lighthouse and point out significant locations that could be viewed from the top.
During the middle of the day, when the heat of summer was at its peak, I would often be alone for a couple of hours until it cooled off a little later in the afternoon and more tourists were willing to take the hike up all of those stairs. This had to be my favorite part of the job because at the top there was always a breeze that keep me cool and I could enjoy solitude and quiet while sitting in the top window gazing at the view or reading a book.
I grew up and lived on Tybee Island from the time I was 7 until 16 and again at ages 19 and 23. I feel a special connection to the Tybee Lighthouse as it always signified my coming home where my mother and I both lived. My mother was the guiding light in my life until her passing in 2006. She taught me so much of what I know today and certainly shaped my positive viewpoint towards life and at the same time she often told me that I was also teaching her.
With this website I would like to be your beacon – a place you can look to for guidance, reflect upon the stories of my own times in dangerous waters, and share your calling with all that are coming into this port.
