Suzanne Heywood's Parents: Shaping a Life at Sea

What would it be like to grow up on a boat sailing around the world? How might that experience shape your relationship with your parents?

In her memoir Wavewalker, Suzanne Heywood recounts her extraordinary childhood at sea and the complex dynamics with her family. You'll discover how life aboard a sailing vessel influenced Suzanne Heywood's parents' relationships with their daughter and her journey to independence.

Keep reading to explore the unique challenges and triumphs of Suzanne's unconventional upbringing and its lasting impact on her life.

A Childhood at Sea: Suzanne Heywood's Unique Upbringing

Growing up on a ship called Wavewalker, Suzanne Heywood's childhood was far from ordinary. Her family's decision to circumnavigate the globe shaped her early years in ways that would profoundly impact her relationships, especially with Suzanne Heywood's parents. This unique upbringing created a complex dynamic between Suzanne and her mother and father, setting the stage for a remarkable coming-of-age story.

Life Aboard the Wavewalker

The daily rhythms of life at sea became second nature to young Suzanne. From the gentle rocking of the boat to the hum of its machinery, these sensations formed the backdrop of her childhood. Nature was a constant companion, offering both wonder and challenges. Flying fish, coral structures, and seagulls became familiar sights, while the unpredictable ocean kept the family on their toes.

But this adventurous lifestyle came with its share of hardships. Education was a constant struggle, with Suzanne often sacrificing sleep to keep up with her studies while also helping to maintain watch on the ship. The lack of stability and isolation from peers meant that forming lasting friendships was nearly impossible.

A Strained Relationship With Mom

Suzanne's relationship with her mother was particularly complex. There seemed to be a disconnect between them, with Suzanne often feeling that her mother lacked understanding and care for her needs. Communication breakdowns were common, especially when it came to Suzanne's educational concerns.

The author's recollections paint a picture of a mother more focused on the family's seafaring adventures than on her daughter's emotional and academic needs. This led to feelings of resentment, as Suzanne felt her contributions and value were often overlooked.

Dad: A Source of Inspiration and Frustration

In contrast, Suzanne's relationship with her father was marked by a mix of admiration and concern. She was drawn to his adventurous spirit but worried about the risks his bold decisions sometimes posed to the family's safety.

Suzanne sought her father's approval, especially when it came to her education. She valued his opinions and looked to him for support in her academic pursuits. However, there was a constant struggle to have her achievements recognized independently of her father's passion for ocean exploration.

Developing Self-Reliance

Despite the challenges, this unconventional upbringing fostered a sense of self-reliance in Suzanne from a young age. She learned practical skills like sailing, navigation, and boat maintenance. Her resourcefulness shone through in situations like negotiating for food and shelter or assessing navigational tools.

However, this self-sufficiency came at a cost. Suzanne often felt displaced, struggling to find a sense of belonging. Building self-confidence and establishing her identity proved challenging, especially when interacting with peers from more traditional backgrounds.

The Quest for Independence

As Suzanne grew older, she began to yearn for independence from her parents' control and expectations. She wanted to forge her own path, which included pursuing higher education. This desire for autonomy often clashed with her family's plans and lifestyle.

Suzanne's determination to chart her own course is evident in her efforts to prioritize her studies over sailing pursuits. She pushed for her voice to be heard in family decisions, even when her views were often disregarded.

Reconciling the Past

As she transitioned into adulthood, Suzanne grappled with conflicting emotions about her childhood experiences. She sought to understand her family's heritage and the origins of their vessel, the Wavewalker. This exploration of her past was part of her journey towards reconciling her unconventional upbringing with her aspirations for the future.

A New Chapter at Oxford

Suzanne's acceptance into Oxford University marked a significant turning point. It represented a shift from her nomadic childhood to a more conventional path focused on academic pursuits. This transition brought both excitement and apprehension, symbolizing her commitment to carving out her own identity beyond the confines of her family's seafaring lifestyle.

While her unique upbringing presented numerous challenges, it also equipped Suzanne with valuable skills and experiences. Her journey from the Wavewalker to the halls of Oxford is a testament to her resilience and determination to define her own path in life, despite the complex dynamics with her parents.