Sharry

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

19 Comments
  • Cathlyn MacQuarrie
    Posted at 05:50h, 24 February Reply

    So sweet and touching and incredibly kind.

  • Gidget and John
    Posted at 07:16h, 24 February Reply

    Gidget and I are thinking about you guys every day.

  • Kathleen
    Posted at 08:18h, 24 February Reply

    Every 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 February Reply

    Sounds 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 February Reply

    Don,
    Wonderful thoughts and perspective…….choked me up.

  • Peter Powell
    Posted at 12:08h, 24 February Reply

    Don,
    Wonderful thoughts and perspective…….choked me up.

  • Atle Moe
    Posted at 13:23h, 24 February Reply

    What an amazing story and so happy to hear that Sharry loves it. Keep the updates coming.

  • Milt & Judy Baker
    Posted at 13:24h, 24 February Reply

    The 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 February Reply

    The sea is most certainly a balm for most everything. Wonderful to see you two in its embrace.

  • Hal Wyman
    Posted at 17:51h, 24 February Reply

    Very touching, Don. Please pass on to Sharry my best wishes.

  • Beverley Desmarais
    Posted at 17:54h, 24 February Reply

    So 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 February Reply

    God 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 February Reply

    What 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 February Reply

    Thank 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 February Reply

    Hi 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 February Reply

    Don, did this post?
    Andy

  • Michone Walker
    Posted at 00:04h, 25 February Reply

    That 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 February Reply

    Don 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 March Reply

    Aloha Don and Sharry! I am so happy to see you happy face and smile. Have a safe trip! Sendig my love from Hungary

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