24 Feb Sharry
Day 16
15-15.4N, 150-35E
2967nm from Hawaii, 366 nm to Guam
I got up at 0500 to relieve Sam. My watch starts at 0600.
I did the Engine room check going thru the same motions we do every 3 hours. While the check list is useful, even more so is to listen, smell and visually inspect. Thankfully, our engine room checks have not revealed many surprises.
After making a cup of coffee I say good night to Sam and make the log entrees.
I settle down to just thinking and listening to the waves rushing down the hull. The engine is barely noticeable over the sound of the waves.
Time to think. Sharry is still asleep.
On land I usually get up around 5am. No matter how quiet I am, Sharry is up by my side within 15 minutes. Somehow, she can sense my absence. I’m her memory and she wants to be with me 24/7. Interestingly, here on the boat Sharry is most at peace and will stay in her bunk for a couple more hours, sleeping 8-10 or more hours a night.
For a short time I debated about whether this passage would be good for Sharry. Now that we are at sea there is no question in my mind that this is the safest place for her. In the city I hold her hand when crossing the street while drivers regularly run the red lights. One false step and you’re dead.
Sharry has good balance and is stable even when the boat seems to be on its beam ends. She’s relaxed on board. Even during our rolly night adrift with the fishing net in our prop, Sharry was calm, comfortable, and eager to help.
Sharry is fully aware that she is losing her memory. She says that she can feel parts of her mind chipping away, which is why she needs the rest. She is working so hard trying to hang onto her memory.
Sharry is up now so I get her medications and make her cup of coffee. Time for me to make us breakfast.
More later. BTW, over the past 16 days we have only had visual contact with two ships. We should see more ships as we approach Guam.
Don
Cathlyn MacQuarrie
Posted at 05:50h, 24 FebruarySo sweet and touching and incredibly kind.
Gidget and John
Posted at 07:16h, 24 FebruaryGidget and I are thinking about you guys every day.
Kathleen
Posted at 08:18h, 24 FebruaryEvery one needs a home and everyone needs their people. Sherry is incredibly lucky to have Starr as her home and you as are her people.
Valerie Creighton
Posted at 10:31h, 24 FebruarySounds like your instincts were spot-on. Thanks for sharing this aspect of your experience. It’s inspiring, and heart-warming.
Peter Powell
Posted at 11:59h, 24 FebruaryDon,
Wonderful thoughts and perspective…….choked me up.
Peter Powell
Posted at 12:08h, 24 FebruaryDon,
Wonderful thoughts and perspective…….choked me up.
Atle Moe
Posted at 13:23h, 24 FebruaryWhat an amazing story and so happy to hear that Sharry loves it. Keep the updates coming.
Milt & Judy Baker
Posted at 13:24h, 24 FebruaryThe love you have for Sharry is burning brightly, Don. You’re both in your element, as is your trusty Starr. You two are a great living example for so many of us. Bravo!
Milt & Judy
Jared Cook
Posted at 16:25h, 24 FebruaryThe sea is most certainly a balm for most everything. Wonderful to see you two in its embrace.
Hal Wyman
Posted at 17:51h, 24 FebruaryVery touching, Don. Please pass on to Sharry my best wishes.
Beverley Desmarais
Posted at 17:54h, 24 FebruarySo beautiful and caring, the weather looks beautiful as well. So nice you are able to continue your exciting life. Sharry is probably remembering it as well as home on the boat.
CARL F WALTHER
Posted at 17:59h, 24 FebruaryGod Bless you both! My wife and boating partner is now in a Family Care Home suffering from Frontotemporal Dementia, or FTD
Kathaleen Petron
Posted at 18:07h, 24 FebruaryWhat a beautiful love story. Thank you for sharing Don. YOU and STARR are Sharry’s home and she couldn’t be more comfortable. and happy. It’s wonderful that you are able to coordinate this cruise to Japan, one of her favorite places.
love to you both,
Kat & Jim
Donna
Posted at 21:32h, 24 FebruaryThank you, Don for the blog post. That’s so interesting as well as touching and heartfelt. Thank you.
Bruce Kessler
Posted at 21:45h, 24 FebruaryHi to both of you and the crew! It’s taken me awhile to figure out how to use. Of course I think about that day in Panama twenty some odd years ago when I gave you Chuck H’s phone number. We’re with you all the way.
Andrew E Howard
Posted at 23:58h, 24 FebruaryDon, did this post?
Andy
Michone Walker
Posted at 00:04h, 25 FebruaryThat is such good news! She does love being on the water. Something that has always given her happiness in her heart and mind. You are a saint! Love to you both.
Sharon Porter
Posted at 03:50h, 26 FebruaryDon and Sharry, we are enjoying your blog posts. Have a wonderful trip and come safely back to us at Waikiki Yacht Club.
Angela Arvai
Posted at 08:34h, 02 MarchAloha Don and Sharry! I am so happy to see you happy face and smile. Have a safe trip! Sendig my love from Hungary