"As soon as my eyes fell on the old chest nestled between boxes and suitcases in the corner of the attic, I knew I'd found something significant. Made of dark wood, intricately carved, its metal fittings exquisitely hand crafted, the chest was a relic of an era long past.
It contained only one item: a small book, its brown leather cover cracked and crumbling. It looked like a diary.
As I gently lifted it from where it has rested for who knows how long, a packet of letters fell from between its pages.
My mind raced without a thousand questions:
Who did the diary belong to ?
What stories might be waiting inside?
As I reached out to open it, I realized I was holding my breath..."

"Dear diary,

My name is Susanne. My beloved husband Joseph, whom I love above all earthly things, has just sailed out on another long voyage to the Far East.
Oh how I miss him already!
But I must be strong.
May God preserve him and return him safely home to me, with tales of wonders and adventures to tell.
Until then it will bring me comfort to freely express my feeling in your pages."


The wind across the water
Is carrying my words
Hoping they will reach you
Wishing I'll endure

What I'd give
To hold you in my arms
And be together
Though the sea
Has called your name
In ever sweet surrender
We will find our way

Your ship has left the harbour
On her way to distant shores
May her arms protect you
When the gale wind roars

What I'd give to hold you
In my arms and be together
On the sea of hope we sail
Calling saints and angels
To guide you on your trail

One look at you and you
Light up the sky and my emotions
Return to me from the mist
Of the endless sea

I vow to be courageous
Not allow myself undone
A gentle storm within me
My vigil has begun

What I'd give to hold you
In my arms and be together
Though the waves have drown you in
My everlasting love for you
Will keep you safe within

One look at you and you
Light up the sky and my emotions
Return to me from the mist
Of the endless sea
You'll be back from the endless sea

One look at you and you
Light up the sky and my emotions
Return to me from the mist
Of the endless sea
You'll be back from the endless sea

"Dear diary,

This morning I enjoyed a bracing walk into the centre.
Amsterdam is truly growing and blossoming: it's all so exciting!
I wish I could share it with my Joseph. Fortunately I have no visitors today: I shall spend the Afternoon writing him a letter.
It will cheer him to hear news of home, and to know he is ever in my thoughts."


Watching the crowd through the window
Looking down to the streets that I love
The city's rising and glowing
We are blessed to reside in this town

As I'm hearing the sound of the harbour
Where our sailors and traders call
I imagine the way of the workers
Through the anguish they still stand tall

As I'm making my way to centre
Morning birds in the park sing along
In their sweet subtle splendour
Seems we all are in love with their song

And the princes, lords and emperor
Embrace the merchants' houses
In the heart of Amsterdam
(Here in the heart of Amsterdam)

Around the town hall
Proud people crowd the alley
In the heart of Amsterdam

I cross the canals' tiny bridges
Where I pause to absorb city life
From the poor to the richest
Exotic foreigners passing me by

I'm in awe of beautiful paintings
Can't believe that Rembrandt's here
As the seasons are changing
He'll immortalize all we hold dear

May we write, search and discover
May we craft, philosophize
To guide and govern
Build our future eternal and bright

And the princes, lords and emperor
Embrace the merchants' houses
In the heart of Amsterdam
(Here in the heart of Amsterdam)

Around the town hall
Proud people crowd the alley
(If only you were here)
In the heart of Amsterdam

Strolling along down the alleys
This is home, this is where I belong
Scents of fresh salted sea breeze
I'll be there 'till the last teardrop falls

And the princes, lords and emperor
Embrace the merchants' houses
(If only you were here)
In the heart of Amsterdam
(Here in the heart of Amsterdam)

Around the town hall
Proud people crowd the alley
(If only you were here)
In the heart of Amsterdam

"Dear diary,

I have a wonderful news to share with you: I am with child!
If only my sweetest Joseph were here to share in my happiness. We are so very blessed! I Must write to him immediately: learning that he will be a father will bring him joy an lighten The burden of the long months at sea."


My dearest Joseph, my sweet soul
Our life is wondrous, our life is whole

Something so joyous, beautiful
Of this I'm certain
You'll wish to know

Deep inside this heart of mine
Our dream will come alive
Spread you arms out open wide
Embrace

The greatest love, a life awaits
The greatest love, a heart will beat
The greatest love, a mind will grow
The greatest love, may we be free again

Rays of sunshine, caress my skin
Pure and glorious, this state I'm in

The whitest winter
Warmest spring
Carry our loved one
Safe within

Deep inside this heart of mine
Our dream will come alive
Spread you arms out open wide
Embrace

The greatest love, a life awaits
The greatest love, a heart will beat
The greatest love, a mind will grow
The greatest love, may we be free again

The greatest love, a life awaits
The greatest love, a heart will beat
The greatest love, a mind will grow
The greatest love, may we be free again

The greatest love, a world begins
The greatest love, a journey starts
The greatest love, alive and near
The greatest love
A future dawn for us

"Dear diary,

After several unbearable months of silence, I now hold in my hands a precious letter from my dearest Joseph. He's safely reached India!
The exotic land he describes in his letter sounds magnificent - colourful, mystical and beautiful beyond imagining.
What must it be like to experience such wonders? I wish I could be there with him, but that is not to be.
Instead I find comfort in knowing that half a world away, he held this same bit of paper in his hand."


Travelling the world, port to port
Enriches my life, horizon in sight

I have seen wonders to last for a lifetime
The world here is mystic and new
The markets and colours, incense and scholars
Flavours and scents ever pure

Words that you sent, sweet Susanne
Ignite in my heart a brand new start

The darkest of skies make the brightest of stars shine
I see you and me
The dawn of an era, the birth of a new day
This constellation I see

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
Have they come to take me home

Salt water dew, see me through
Show me the way, lead me to you

Colours and spices, rich and enticing
This land captures me
Tropical thunders, musical wonders
The Arabian Sea

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
have they come to take me home

I have seen wonders, guide me into your arms

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
Have they come to take me home

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
Have they come to take me home

I sent you the waves
Did they come here
To take you home to me

India, pearl of the east
Bless the holy waters
And protect me on my
Journey back to her

"Dear diary,

My Joseph's latest letter tells of the perilous hardships he endured sailing round the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. He says its old name, Cape of Storms, far better suits these treacherous waters!
My continual prayers for his safety must have been heard, for thus far the Lord has spared him. May he continue safely on his journey and may the gentle winds guide him safely towards home."


Fearless skies, endless rains
Uncontrollable waves
War against the elements
Drives us all to our graves

Ruthless rage, blood red eyes
Epic ocean swells
The sky will break, the sea will take
Spirits roam near the shores
At the cape of storms

Tattered sails, tell their tale
Of our mighty crusade
Cold and warmth collide in fright
Never fading away

Devil's mouth dooms our faith
May we strengthen our game
Men will fall, death will call
Curse the day you were born
At the cape of storms

As we ride through the tides
We will not hide, we will take pride
Destiny calls, demons fall
And we will be free

As we fly through our lives
Golden moon will be our guide
Lead us to God-powered light
And we will be free

Atlantic force, Indian strength
Fight a war of their own
Subject to infinity
We abide by the sea

Heartless sharks, hungry beasts
Circling ominously
Tempest tossed, hope is lost
Fear and horror take form
At the cape of storms
At the cape of storms

As we ride through the tides
We will not hide, we will take pride
Destiny calls, demons fall
And we will be free

As we fly through our lives
Golden moon will be our guide
Lead us to God-powered light
And we will be free

We will be forever free

"Dear diary,

Please forgive my melancholy mood, but today I write hoping to find relief from my unquiet thoughts.
For some time now I've been heavy with weariness. The doctor suspects a chill of the blood and has given me a bitter medicine which I must take some morning, noon and night. Thus far it has brought me no relief.
I make light of these troubles in my letters to Joseph, as he faces his own challenges at sea. But dearest diary, I am so afraid."


My love my blessed soul
I'm whispering your name
From this moment on
We'll not be the same

I dread to speak these words
If forever they'll be heard
They'll ache and cause you pain

I live a silent dream
My hope has turned to dust
With you is where my heart
Yearns to be

Once more to see the dawn
And embrace the rising sun
But now the moment's gone

And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone

My love my shining star
I'm pleading with the moon
The only one who knows
Where you are

An evil cold and grey
Makes my body fade away
My faith has gone astray

I write without a sound
My words will never dry
They're melting in my tears falling down

I'd wish you'd stand ashore
Be with me forever more
But now the moment's gone

And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone

"Dear diary,

In this most recent letter from my Joseph (included here), he describes sailing through a truly horrendous storm an how he fought for his life to be with me. Joseph's life was spared but many of his crew perished in the fury of this fearsome tempest.
Again I thank the Lord for hearing my prayers and watching over my dearest husband."


Night, grim was the night
Destined to fight thunder and lightning again
We pray to God we will survive
Light, fierce was the light
Sparks would ignite even the darkest of fears
We pray to God we will survive

Words, after your words blackened the skies
Darkened the clouds above my life
We pray to God we will survive
Surge, powerful surge robbing my breath
Leaving me silent for days
We pray to God we will survive

And when the monster came
From heaven raging down
He couldn't seize me with his life
He searched the ocean, tore it up piece by piece
I've escaped him, I'm invisible

Faith, hold on to faith
Don't close your eyes to even the hardest of hails
We pray to God we will survive
Wait, I beg you to wait, I plead with you now
I couldn't bear your demise
We pray to God we will survive

And when the monster came
From heaven raging down
He couldn't seize me with his life
He searched the ocean, tore it up piece by piece
I've escaped him, I'm invincible

My sweet Susanne
I will fly to the moon and back
To find you in time and alive
And with endless strength
My sweet Susanne
I will sail 'cross the endless deep
To find you in time with our child
We'll be strong and we will overcome

Beast, you'll conquer the beast living inside
Tremendously violent and mean
We pray to God we will survive
My wife, I promise you now
If faith will allow, our souls will forever be one
We pray to God we will survive

And when the monster came
From heaven raging down
He couldn't seize me with his life
He searched the ocean, tore it up piece by piece
I've escaped him, I'm invincible

My sweet Susanne
I will fly to the moon and back
To find you in time and alive
And with endless strength
My sweet Susanne
I will sail 'cross the endless deep
To find you in time with our child
We'll be strong and we will overcome

"Dear diary,

I have wonderful news, our baby is born! He is the most beautiful baby on this Earth, and I can already see that he is a brave little boy indeed. I've named him after a strong adventurous man we all much admire, Admiral Michiel de Ruyter.
When my letter arrives, Joseph will be over the moon with joy at the birth of our precious boy."


I have seen
Our beautiful dream
And it came to life
Filled with joy
A wonderful story to tell
I can see clouds dissolve
And the sun show her smile
When I see the wonders
Inside the eyes of Michiel

Mesmerized by the glory before me
I fill with pride
May there be a hero no less in his name
You will feel the power
Revealed in the circle of life
When you see the wonders
Inside the eyes of Michiel

In his eyes I can see the path of our lives
Endless and bright, wherever we go
He'll show us the way, never to stray

In his eyes far beyond the measure of time
Lead us the way
In ever shining light

Michiel and I
Forever as one, we're invincible
We'll rejoice the glorious day you return
No more fear, sorrow of tears
Will darken our world
When we see the wonders
Inside the eyes of Michiel

In his eyes, I can see his paradise
Heartbreak and pain melting away
Devoted to faith, never to break

In his eyes, I can see forever inside
Lead us the way
Our destiny in sight

"Dear diary,

I am so weary, even the simple act of writing is exhausting. But I do hope these few words convey the boundless joy and gratitude I am feeling: a letter from Joseph has arrived! A wonderful letter, a most longed-for letter! He is on his way home! He writes that he will do everything in his power to be back in time. I am truly blessed to have such a devoted loving husband.
I must endeavour to be strong for him."


At last my love I'm coming home
Guided by the moon
When I return
The fields will be in bloom
And revived

Rest assured I'll hold you again
Here within my arms
With every breath
The winds will see me through
We'll survive

I carry you through the dead of night
Into the brightest light

I dream of you night after night
And of our precious child
With land in sight
No storm will be too wild
I will fight

I know your heart is longing for me
Our future is unclear
But love I see
Our bond will keep us here
And alive

I carry you through the dead of night
Into the brightest light

The restless skies, the darkest of seas
I am longing to be at peace
The wind and hail, the thundering waves
I am destined to find a way
To save your life none could foresee
Don't you ever lose faith in me
We will endure, we must carry through
You will know the power's still in me

The restless skies, the darkest of seas
I am longing to be at peace
The wind and hail, the thundering waves
I am destined to find a way
To save your life none could foresee
Don't you ever lose faith in me
We will endure, we must carry through
Let our hearts be as pure as gold

You will know the power's still in me
Carry you into the brightest light

At last my love I'm coming home
Guided by the sun
Against the wind we will overcome
We are light

My love and tears devoted to you
Will heal my aching heart
When I return
We'll heal, we'll start anew
With our life

I carry you through the dead of night
Into the brightest light

"Dear diary,

I have been trying for days to write a cheerful letter to Joseph, full of news and stories to brighten his tedious journey. But deep within my heart of hearts I feel a pressing sense of urgency, and the tone of my recent letters has not been as optimistic as I would like. In my dreams I see us reunited in happiness, sharing wonderful moments with Michiel.
Yet in truth I fear the worst.
If I ask him to hurry home, dear diary, will it worry him too much ?"


Underneath a dusky sky
A veil of stardust drifting by
I think of you my gallant man
And savour the memory again

I watch the streets of Amsterdam
Here is where our life began
Here is were the future lies
If that's what our destiny decides

Through savage seas and starless nights
The Lord has kept you by his side
Oh sky above, oh wind and rain
You can't take the miracle away

Can you see the new horizons
On the road ahead
I can see the skies will lighten
Everywhere you tread

Can you see the new horizons
Washing out the old
I can see the rainbow rising
Over seas of gold

I pray to see your shining eyes
Before I reach for paradise
Heaven knows the skies will clear
I welcome eternity without fear

Can you see the new horizons
On the road ahead
I can see the skies will lighten
Everywhere you tread

Can you see the new horizons
Washing out the old
I can see the rainbow rising
Over seas of gold

My body's weak my heart is strong
My task on earth is not yet done
I see you hold him in your arms
Your light, your serenity... your son

Can you see the new horizons
On the road ahead
I can see the skies will lighten
Everywhere you tread

Can you see the new horizons
Washing out the old
I can see the rainbow rising
Over seas of gold

"Dearest Susanne,

My Susanne! You of the most gentlest, sweetest heart that ever beat within a living being! I am too late: your spirit has already departed Earth.
Today, with my heart weary and broken, I unite your letters with mine between the pages of your diary. I write this final entry to thank you for giving me little Michiel; he is everything a father could wish for. You shall live on through him. I shall treasure him always, as I treasure your memory. Goodbye, my sweet Susanne.

Yours always, until the end of days,
-Joseph"


I see his starry eyes
He heals my broken heart
Through him
You'll always be by my side

I hear you call my name
It fades to silence when I wake
A moment lost in time

And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
But the memory lives on
Your memory... lives on...

"As soon as my eyes fell on the old chest nestled between boxes and suitcases in the corner of the attic, I knew I'd found something significant. Made of dark wood, intricately carved, its metal fittings exquisitely hand crafted, the chest was a relic of an era long past.
It contained only one item: a small book, its brown leather cover cracked and crumbling. It looked like a diary.
As I gently lifted it from where it has rested for who knows how long, a packet of letters fell from between its pages.
My mind raced without a thousand questions:
Who did the diary belong to ?
What stories might be waiting inside?
As I reached out to open it, I realized I was holding my breath..."

"Dear diary,

My name is Susanne. My beloved husband Joseph, whom I love above all earthly things, has just sailed out on another long voyage to the Far East.
Oh how I miss him already!
But I must be strong.
May God preserve him and return him safely home to me, with tales of wonders and adventures to tell.
Until then it will bring me comfort to freely express my feeling in your pages."


Ras! Aan boord!

The wind across the water
Is carrying my words
Hoping they will reach you
Wishing I'll endure

What I'd give
To hold you in my arms
And be together
Though the sea
Has called your name
In ever sweet surrender
We will find our way

Your ship has left the harbour
On her way to distant shores
May her arms protect you
When the gale wind roars

What I'd give to hold you
In my arms and be together
On the sea of hope we sail
Calling saints and angels
To guide you on your trail

Ras! Aan boord trossen los!
One look at you and you
Light up the sky and my emotions
Hijs Het zeil anker op!
Return to me from the mist
Of the endless sea

You'll be back from the endless sea

I vow to be courageous
Not allow myself undone
A gentle storm within me
My vigil has begun

What I'd give to hold you
In my arms and be together
Though the waves have drown you in
My everlasting love for you
Will keep you safe within

Ras! Aan boord trossen los!
One look at you and you
Light up the sky and my emotions
Hijs Het zeil anker op!
Return to me from the mist
Of the endless sea
You'll be back from the endless sea

Ras! Aan boord trossen los!
One look at you and you
Light up the sky and my emotions
Hijs Het zeil anker op!
Return to me from the mist
Of the endless sea
You'll be back from the endless sea

"Dear diary,

This morning I enjoyed a bracing walk into the centre.
Amsterdam is truly growing and blossoming: it's all so exciting!
I wish I could share it with my Joseph. Fortunately I have no visitors today: I shall spend the afternoon writing him a letter.
It will cheer him to hear news of home, and to know he is ever in my thoughts."


Watching the crowd through the window
Looking down to the streets that I love
The city's rising and glowing
We are blessed to reside in this town

As I'm hearing the sound of the harbour
Where our sailors and traders call
I imagine the way of the workers
Through the anguish they still stand tall

As I'm making my way to centre
Morning birds in the park sing along
In their sweet subtle splendour
Seems we all are in love with their song

And the princes, lords and emperor
Embrace the merchants' houses
In the heart of Amsterdam
(Here in the heart of Amsterdam)

Around the town hall
Proud people crowd the alley
(If only you were here)
In the heart of Amsterdam

I cross the canals' tiny bridges
Where I pause to absorb city life
From the poor to the richest
Exotic foreigners passing me by

I'm in awe of beautiful paintings
Can't believe that Rembrandt's here
As the seasons are changing
He'll immortalize all we hold dear

May we write, search and discover
May we craft, philosophize
To guide and govern
Build our future eternal and bright

And the princes, lords and emperor
Embrace the merchants' houses
In the heart of Amsterdam
(Here in the heart of Amsterdam)

Around the town hall
Proud people crowd the alley
(If only you were here)
In the heart of Amsterdam

Strolling along down the alleys
This is home, this is where I belong
Scents of fresh salted sea breeze
I'll be there 'till the last teardrop falls

And the princes, lords and emperor
Embrace the merchants' houses
(If only you were here)
In the heart of Amsterdam
(Here in the heart of Amsterdam)

Around the town hall
Proud people crowd the alley
(If only you were here)
In the heart of Amsterdam

"Dear diary,

I have a wonderful news to share with you: I am with child!
If only my sweetest Joseph were here to share in my happiness. We are so very blessed! I must write to him immediately: learning that he will be a father will bring him joy an lighten the burden of the long months at sea."


My dearest Joseph, my sweet soul
Our life is wondrous, our life is whole

Something so joyous, beautiful
Of this I'm certain
You'll wish to know

Deep inside this heart of mine
Our dream will come alive
Spread you arms out open wide
Embrace

The greatest love, a life awaits
The greatest love, a heart will beat
The greatest love, a mind will grow
The greatest love, may we be free again

Rays of sunshine, caress my skin
Pure and glorious, this state I'm in

The whitest winter
Warmest spring
Carry our loved one
Safe within

Deep inside this heart of mine
Our dream will come alive
Spread you arms out open wide
Embrace

The greatest love, a life awaits
The greatest love, a heart will beat
The greatest love, a mind will grow
The greatest love, may we be free again

The greatest love, a life awaits
The greatest love, a heart will beat
The greatest love, a mind will grow
The greatest love, may we be free again

The greatest love, a world begins
The greatest love, a journey starts
The greatest love, alive and near
The greatest love
A future dawn for us

"Dear diary,

After several unbearable months of silence, I now hold in my hands a precious letter from my dearest Joseph. He's safely reached India!
The exotic land he describes in his letter sounds magnificent - colourful, mystical and beautiful beyond imagining.
What must it be like to experience such wonders? I wish I could be there with him, but that is not to be.
Instead I find comfort in knowing that half a world away, he held this same bit of paper in his hand."


Travelling the world, port to port
Enriches my life, horizon in sight

I have seen wonders to last for a lifetime
The world here is mystic and new
The markets and colours, incense and scholars
Flavours and scents ever pure

Words that you sent, sweet Susanne
Ignite in my heart a brand new start

The darkest of skies make the brightest of stars shine
I see you and me
The dawn of an era, the birth of a new day
This constellation I see

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
Have they come to take me home

Salt water dew, see me through
Show me the way, lead me to you

Colours and spices, rich and enticing
This land captures me
Tropical thunders, musical wonders
The Arabian Sea

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
Have they come to take me home

I have seen wonders, guide me into your arms

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
Have they come to take me home

And as the moon's gazing down
On the shores of India
I am calling out your name
May the tides bear my words

Waves crashing down
On the shores of India
Did you summon them to me
Have they come to take me home

I sent you the waves
Did they come here
To take you home to me

India, pearl of the east
Bless the holy waters
And protect me on my
Journey back to her

"Dear diary,

My Joseph's latest letter tells of the perilous hardships he endured sailing round the Cape of Good Hope in Africa. He says its old name, Cape of Storms, far better suits these treacherous waters!
My continual prayers for his safety must have been heard, for thus far the Lord has spared him. May he continue safely on his journey and may the gentle winds guide him safely towards home."


Fearless skies, endless rains
Uncontrollable waves
War against the elements
Drives us all to our graves

Ruthless rage, blood red eyes
Epic ocean swells
The sky will break, the sea will take
Spirits roam near the shores
At the cape of storms

Tattered sails, tell their tale
Of our mighty crusade
Cold and warmth collide in fright
Never fading away

Devil's mouth dooms our faith
May we strengthen our game
Men will fall, death will call
Curse the day you were born
At the cape of storms

As we ride through the tides
We will not hide, we will take pride
Destiny calls, demons fall
And we will be free

As we fly through our lives
Golden moon will be our guide
Lead us to God-powered light
And we will be free

Atlantic force, Indian strength
Fight a war of their own
Subject to infinity
We abide by the sea

Heartless sharks, hungry beasts
Circling ominously
Tempest tossed, hope is lost
Fear and horror take form
At the cape of storms
At the cape of storms

As we ride through the tides
We will not hide, we will take pride
Destiny calls, demons fall
And we will be free

As we fly through our lives
Golden moon will be our guide
Lead us to God-powered light
And we will be free

We will be forever free

"Dear diary,

Please forgive my melancholy mood, but today I write hoping to find relief from my unquiet thoughts.
For some time now I've been heavy with weariness. The doctor suspects a chill of the blood and has given me a bitter medicine which I must take some morning, noon and night. Thus far it has brought me no relief.
I make light of these troubles in my letters to Joseph, as he faces his own challenges at sea. But dearest diary, I am so afraid."


My love my blessed soul
I'm whispering your name
From this moment on
We'll not be the same

I dread to speak these words
If forever they'll be heard
They'll ache and cause you pain

I live a silent dream
My hope has turned to dust
With you is where my heart
Yearns to be

Once more to see the dawn
And embrace the rising sun
But now the moment's gone

And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone

My love my shining star
I'm pleading with the moon
The only one who knows
Where you are

An evil cold and grey
Makes my body fade away
My faith has gone astray

I write without a sound
My words will never dry
They're melting in my tears falling down

I'd wish you'd stand ashore
Be with me forever more
But now the moment's gone

And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone

"Dear diary,

In this most recent letter from my Joseph (included here), he describes sailing through a truly horrendous storm an how he fought for his life to be with me. Joseph's life was spared but many of his crew perished in the fury of this fearsome tempest.
Again I thank the Lord for hearing my prayers and watching over my dearest husband."


Night, grim was the night
Destined to fight thunder and lightning again
We pray to God we will survive
Light, fierce was the light
Sparks would ignite even the darkest of fears
We pray to God we will survive

Words, after your words blackened the skies
Darkened the clouds above my life
We pray to God we will survive
Surge, powerful surge robbing my breath
Leaving me silent for days
We pray to God we will survive

And when the monster came
From heaven raging down
He couldn't seize me with his life
He searched the ocean, tore it up piece by piece
I've escaped him, I'm invisible

Faith, hold on to faith
Don't close your eyes to even the hardest of hails
We pray to God we will survive
Wait, I beg you to wait, I plead with you now
I couldn't bear your demise
We pray to God we will survive

And when the monster came
From heaven raging down
He couldn't seize me with his life
He searched the ocean, tore it up piece by piece
I've escaped him, I'm invincible

Storm!

Geef hun kracht wend de steven, op het roer
En breng hen terug beman de brassen ,neem de torn
Geef niet op klaar de kinken, strijk het zeil
Kom terug naar ons beman de masten...
Kom nu! nu!

My sweet Susanne
I will fly to the moon and back
To find you in time and alive
And with endless strength
My sweet Susanne
I will sail 'cross the endless deep
To find you in time with our child
We'll be strong and we will overcome

Beast, you'll conquer the beast living inside
Tremendously violent and mean
We pray to God we will survive
My wife, I promise you now
If faith will allow, our souls will forever be one
We pray to God we will survive

And when the monster came
From heaven raging down
He couldn't seize me with his life
He searched the ocean, tore it up piece by piece
I've escaped him, I'm invincible

Storm!

Geef hun kracht wend de steven, op het roer
En breng hen terug beman de brassen ,neem de torn
Geef niet op klaar de kinken, strijk het zeil
Kom terug naar ons beman de masten...
Kom nu! nu!

My sweet Susanne
I will fly to the moon and back
To find you in time and alive
And with endless strength
My sweet Susanne
I will sail 'cross the endless deep
To find you in time with our child
We'll be strong and we will overcome

"Dear diary,

I have wonderful news, our baby is born! He is the most beautiful baby on this Earth, and I can already see that he is a brave little boy indeed. I've named him after a strong adventurous man we all much admire, Admiral Michiel de Ruyter.
When my letter arrives, Joseph will be over the moon with joy at the birth of our precious boy."


I have seen
Our beautiful dream
And it came to life
Filled with joy
A wonderful story to tell
I can see clouds dissolve
And the sun show her smile
When I see the wonders
Inside the eyes of Michiel

Mesmerized by the glory before me
I fill with pride
May there be a hero no less in his name
You will feel the power
Revealed in the circle of life
When you see the wonders
Inside the eyes of Michiel

In his eyes I can see the path of our lives
Endless and bright, wherever we go
He'll show us the way, never to stray

In his eyes far beyond the measure of time
Lead us the way
In ever shining light

Michiel and I
Forever as one, we're invincible
We'll rejoice the glorious day you return
No more fear, sorrow of tears
Will darken our world
When we see the wonders
Inside the eyes of Michiel

In his eyes, I can see his paradise
Heartbreak and pain melting away
Devoted to faith, never to break

In his eyes, I can see forever inside
Lead us the way
Our destiny in sight

"Dear diary,

I am so weary, even the simple act of writing is exhausting. But I do hope these few words convey the boundless joy and gratitude I am feeling: a letter from Joseph has arrived! A wonderful letter, a most longed-for letter! He is on his way home! He writes that he will do everything in his power to be back in time. I am truly blessed to have such a devoted loving husband.
I must endeavour to be strong for him."


At last my love I'm coming home
Guided by the moon
When I return
The fields will be in bloom
And revived

Rest assured I'll hold you again
Here within my arms
With every breath
The winds will see me through
We'll survive

I carry you through the dead of night
Into the brightest light

I dream of you night after night
And of our precious child
With land in sight
No storm will be too wild
I will fight

I know your heart is longing for me
Our future is unclear
But love I see
Our bond will keep us here
And alive

I carry you through the dead of night
Into the brightest light

The restless skies, the darkest of seas
I am longing to be at peace
The wind and hail, the thundering waves
I am destined to find a way
To save your life none could foresee
Don't you ever lose faith in me
We will endure, we must carry through
You will know the power's still in me

The restless skies, the darkest of seas
I am longing to be at peace
The wind and hail, the thundering waves
I am destined to find a way
To save your life none could foresee
Don't you ever lose faith in me
We will endure, we must carry through
Let our hearts be as pure as gold

You will know the power's still in me
Carry you into the brightest light

At last my love I'm coming home
Guided by the sun
Against the wind we will overcome
We are light

My love and tears devoted to you
Will heal my aching heart
When I return
We'll heal, we'll start anew
With our life

I carry you through the dead of night
Into the brightest light

"Dear diary,

I have been trying for days to write a cheerful letter to Joseph, full of news and stories to brighten his tedious journey. But deep within my heart of hearts I feel a pressing sense of urgency, and the tone of my recent letters has not been as optimistic as I would like. In my dreams I see us reunited in happiness, sharing wonderful moments with Michiel.
Yet in truth I fear the worst.
If I ask him to hurry home, dear diary, will it worry him too much ?"


Underneath a dusky sky
A veil of stardust drifting by
I think of you my gallant man
And savour the memory again

I watch the streets of Amsterdam
Here is where our life began
Here is were the future lies
If that's what our destiny decides

Through savage seas and starless nights
The Lord has kept you by his side
Oh sky above, oh wind and rain
You can't take the miracle away

Can you see the new horizons
On the road ahead
I can see the skies will lighten
Everywhere you tread

Can you see the new horizons
Washing out the old
I can see the rainbow rising
Over seas of gold

I pray to see your shining eyes
Before I reach for paradise
Heaven knows the skies will clear
I welcome eternity without fear

Can you see the new horizons
On the road ahead
I can see the skies will lighten
Everywhere you tread

Can you see the new horizons
Washing out the old
I can see the rainbow rising
Over seas of gold

My body's weak my heart is strong
My task on earth is not yet done
I see you hold him in your arms
Your light, your serenity... your son

Can you see the new horizons
On the road ahead
I can see the skies will lighten
Everywhere you tread

Can you see the new horizons
Washing out the old
I can see the rainbow rising
Over seas of gold

"Dearest Susanne,

My Susanne! You of the most gentlest, sweetest heart that ever beat within a living being! I am too late: your spirit has already departed Earth.
Today, with my heart weary and broken, I unite your letters with mine between the pages of your diary. I write this final entry to thank you for giving me little Michiel; he is everything a father could wish for. You shall live on through him. I shall treasure him always, as I treasure your memory. Goodbye, my sweet Susanne.

Yours always, until the end of days,
-Joseph"


I see his starry eyes
He heals my broken heart
Through him
You'll always be by my side

I hear you call my name
It fades to silence when I wake
A moment lost in time

And now the moment's gone
And now the moment's gone
But the memory lives on
Your memory... lives on...