Why no updates...

J

JamesTXSD

Active member
I've had a few people write off the forum, asking why our updates stopped about 10 days ago. We were at Lake Powell; had spent the day in the southwest part of the lake and were planning to overnight at the marina there. Around 5:00, we got the call... my sister had died unexpectedly after surgery. I went numb for a moment, then we did what had to be done... pulled the boat, called our daughter to have her make some flight arrangements for us, drove to Phoenix, put the boat in storage (in the middle of the night), left Molly the cat with our Son-in-law, and flew back to Iowa.

Our original plan was to pick up the boat, shake it down for a month or so in the PNW, and head back to Texas until after the first of the year. There may be some modifications to the latter part of that plan while we work out some family things. Right now, we are back in Arizona (at our daughter's home) as of late last night. We'll probably head for Texas later this week.

My sister and I were very close (she pretty much raised me). When she found out she was to have surgery, I said, "I'll be there." She said, "No, you and Joan have planned for this boating adventure for a long time. I'll be fine, and we'll talk everyday." I talked to her the night before she died... her surgery had gone well, and everything seemed to be on the upswing. If Joan hadn't asked for a night in the marina, we would have likely been out of phone coverage for the next week.

My sister was not the adventurous type, but she loved hearing about our travels. Her health had not been great over the last few years, mostly related to the smoking habit she had for nearly 40 years. She quit 5 years ago, and we couldn't have been more proud of her. Lung cancer has taken 5 loved ones from us in the past few years. There is a big hole in my heart right now, and I don't want to seem preachy. If you still smoke, you (and your family) know what's in my heart right now.

We can't bring ourselves to go back to Lake Powell right now. My camera is loaded with images we shot on Saturday, the 10th, before we got the call, and the area is spectacular. I will get those downloaded first chance I get. Maybe if there is another gathering on Lake Powell in the spring, we can participate? In the meantime, if you've been thinking about your next adventure and are waiting for the "right time"... well, you know. Don't put it off.

We love the C-Dory and the cruising life aboard. It has been our pleasure to share some of our cruising adventures with the C-Brats. We'll be back at it as soon as we can.

Best wishes,
Jim & Joan B.
 
Jim and Joan, so sorry to hear of your loss. :unlove

Lost my mom to the same thing about 10 years ago. Take some time off to be with your family, we'll wait for you to get back to your adventure, enjoyed it and we're glad your family had what time they had together.

Charlie and Sally.
 
So sorry to hear of your loss, Jim. My sis and I are just 10 mos. apart and we almost lost her unexpectedly in the past. Here's hoping your lives can heal peacefully soon. John
 
Jim & Joan - for you!
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Marie and I send our sympathy. Loss of close family member is especially difficult. There will be more times for the boat--and Powell will still be there. Our best to you all.
 
Patti and I extend our deepest sympathies and wish you the very best. Your advice about smoking and seizing the day are right on target and something we should all heed.

You are in our thoughts.
 
Jim and Joan,

We are deeply saddened to read about the loss of your sister. You know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Most sincerely,

Joe and Ruth
R-Matey
 
Thank you for the kind words, folks. There is a big piece of my heart missing, but it won't change our spirit of adventure. We will be heading for home tomorrow; in a few days we will introduce Wild Blue to her home waters. Time on the water will be theraputic.

Joan and I went to check on the boat today (been in storage since we left Arizona); it felt like home and reminded us of good times. We are anxious to get back to that.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
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