Happy Mother's Day - to the GREATEST!

Since we can't be together and I can't even send you mail, I thought I would just type in the words on the card I bought for you.  They really say it all.  I love you!

My Mother's Daughter
I am all of the experiences we've shared and each of the things I've done on my own.
I am the stories we've read in books and the ones written in my heart.
I am the traditions passed down through the years and the new ones picked up along the way.
I am my mother's daughter, different from her, and yet the same, and I can't think of anyone else I'd rather be.

Update

For those that aren't aware, I wanted to finally update the blog with information on Mom and Don's accident that occurred on April 13th.  Below are emails from the days following the accident.

Saturday, April 14th:

Mom and Don had a serious accident at about 2am Friday morning while en route to Puerto Rico in the sailboat.  This is the Cliff Notes version of the story:

While sailing overnight from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, their navigation system alerted them of another boat but they were unable to see a boat.  Shortly after, a large Freightliner appeared in the darkness with no lights on it.  Don was able to turn the wheel and give the boat throttle quick enough to prevent a direct hit but they were still hit on the side.  The boat did a 360 and continued to skim the side of the ship.  A lot of damage was done to the boat but it was not punctured and did not sink.  Mom and Don enabled their emergency plan and notified the U.S. Coast Guard.  Other boats they were travelling with were nearby and came to assist.  The ship that hit them did not stop and did not answer radio calls.  By the grace of God, the Coast Guard was less than 35 miles away and made it to them quickly.  The sailboat was towed in and they transported Mom and Don to safety.  I was notified Friday morning around 8:45am.  Within an hour or so I was able to speak with Mom.  To say they were rattled would be a severe understatement.  There are too many “God” moments to count them all.  They were both awake, they were both together in the cockpit, the Coast Guard was close by, etc, etc, etc.  God is good and he was at their side the whole time.

Today, things are a little better.  They are safe and alive and that’s really all that matters. Don has an injury to his foot but is ok.  The Coast Guard helped them find a hotel last night and today they were able to get a rental car.  Their phone is not working so tomorrow they will go to the AT&T store.  They decided to take today and just decompress so nothing was done with the boat today.  There is not a marina in the city so they will have to find a way to get the boat moved in order to have it repaired or whatever they decide to do.  I think they are still decided on the next steps. 

I’m sorry for the long note but I promised an update once I had one.  I will keep everyone posted as I know more.  

Please continue to pray for them and ask for calm in their hearts.  They are safe and grateful.

Friday, April 20th:

Good Morning!  Just wanted to check back in and let everyone know that Mom and Don are doing much better.  They’ve had a good week.  They were able to rent a car, get a new phone (number is still the same) and begin to get things in order with the boat.  With assistance from the Coast Guard, they were able to locate the ship that hit them but due to issues around the jurisdiction, I’m not sure anything will come of it.  In the big picture, that is the least of their concern.  I think the peace of mind that comes with being able to KNOW what happened is more than enough for right now.  Anyway, Mom and Don were planning to fly to Charlotte tomorrow for a few days but decided to delay the trip until next Saturday (April 28^th).  They just needed some extra time to get the arrangements made for the boat.  

I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything new.  Thanks to all of you for the thoughts and prayers you’ve sent their way.