The Circle of Care

Blueback

This flow traces care through the family’s generations, from Dora’s guidance of Abel to Abel and Stella’s care for Dora and Little Dora.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Dora Teaches Abel Dora Teaches Abel from "Blueback". Dora Teaches Abel Learning by doing Dora teaches Abel to dive, gather food, manage equipment, and live with the rhythms of the bay.

Dora Teaches Abel from "Blueback". Dora Teaches Abel Learning by doing Dora teaches Abel to dive, gather food, manage equipment, and live with the rhythms of the bay.

Dora Teaches Abel Learning by doing Dora teaches Abel to dive, gather food, manage equipment, and live with the rhythms of the bay. Her guidance combines affection with practical competence. Trust formed Abel follows her example and depends on her judgment. Care is built into the work they share.

Dora Protects Blueback Dora Protects Blueback from "Blueback". Dora Protects Blueback A risky choice Dora places herself between armed divers and Blueback, even as her air runs low. Abel watches, afraid she will drown.

Dora Protects Blueback from "Blueback". Dora Protects Blueback A risky choice Dora places herself between armed divers and Blueback, even as her air runs low. Abel watches, afraid she will drown.

Dora Protects Blueback A risky choice Dora places herself between armed divers and Blueback, even as her air runs low. Abel watches, afraid she will drown. Care extended outward Her protective instinct is not limited to family. She risks herself for a wild fish and the reef it inhabits.

Abel Repairs the Home Abel Repairs the Home from "Blueback". Abel Repairs the Home Work in her absence Abel repairs the jetty, sheds, and house while Dora recovers.

Abel Repairs the Home from "Blueback". Abel Repairs the Home Work in her absence Abel repairs the jetty, sheds, and house while Dora recovers.

Abel Repairs the Home Work in her absence Abel repairs the jetty, sheds, and house while Dora recovers. The work reverses the childhood pattern of his mother maintaining the family place. Care returned He prepares the home for Dora’s return. Practical labor becomes the means through which he shows gratitude and love.

Stella Joins the Care Stella Joins the Care from "Blueback". Stella Joins the Care A shared commitment Stella agrees that Dora should remain at Longboat Bay and that they will stay with her.

Stella Joins the Care from "Blueback". Stella Joins the Care A shared commitment Stella agrees that Dora should remain at Longboat Bay and that they will stay with her.

Stella Joins the Care A shared commitment Stella agrees that Dora should remain at Longboat Bay and that they will stay with her. Abel no longer has to choose between his wife and mother. Care as partnership The couple repair the home and support Dora together. Their marriage becomes a structure of practical care for the place and family.

The Family Continues The Family Continues from "Blueback". The Family Continues Care across ages Abel and Stella raise Little Dora while helping the increasingly frail grandmother.

The Family Continues from "Blueback". The Family Continues Care across ages Abel and Stella raise Little Dora while helping the increasingly frail grandmother.

The Family Continues Care across ages Abel and Stella raise Little Dora while helping the increasingly frail grandmother. The household joins childhood, adulthood, and old age. A lasting circle Little Dora hears family stories and meets Blueback. The care she receives links her to the people and place that came before her.

During Abel’s childhood

During Costello’s attack on the reef

While Dora is in hospital

After Abel and Stella decide to stay

After Little Dora is born