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.

Bound for Puerto Rico!

Was able to speak to mom this morning and they are on their way to Puerto Rico! Assuming the weather holds up, this is a trip that will take approximately 48 hours. They have a plan for bad weather but if all goes well they will be there by end of day Friday. Pray for their safe travels. They are sailing with a group of boats so others are near, definitely makes me feel better. They enjoyed their stay in the Dominican Republic and are looking forward to lots of sight seeing during their next stop. I believe they may even rent a car!

Luperon, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Just received word from Mom that they have arrived safely in Luperon, Puerto Plata. Here they were able to meet up with friends from earlier in the trip so all is well. Mom sent an email earlier in the week and they are having the most amazing time. Meeting locals, exploring with a couple that have a vacation home in the DR and just soaking it all in! One day even involved a scooter ride from a local man to his family restaurant for lunch. So, everyone is safe, happy and making the most of this amazing adventure. Not sure how long they are planning to stay in the DR but the next stop is Puerto Rico! I'm jealous.

Made it to the DR!

Mom and Don arrived safely in the Dominican Republic just in time for the sunset Tuesday night. It was a long day of sailing but the majority of it was great with a few hours of rough sailing. Wednesday morning they were able to check in with customs and then off to enjoy the rest of the day. They've already met an entire family that has showed them around the town and invited them over for dinner! I'm not sure what the plans are for the next few days but they are currently anchored near Manzanillo Bay just outside of Monte Cristi, DR.

I'll keep you posted!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy 60th Birthday to my beautiful, adventurous mom!!! I miss you so much but I'm so happy you are able to live this amazing dream! I'm guessing that being on a boat somewhere between the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic is probably a very nice way to spend your birthday! Soak up the sun, pour a glass of wine and make a toast to the amazing person you are! Love you so much and can't wait to talk soon.


UPDATE for those reading the blog:

I last heard from Mom and Don on Friday, 3/23 and they were at Crooked Island, Bahamas waiting on good weather in order to begin the trip to the Dominican Republic. I believe there was at least one stop before making it to the DR but the weather had not been cooperating. I will keep you posted once I hear from them next.

Georgetown

Mom and Don left Staniel Cay on Sunday, February 19th and arrived in Georgetown that afternoon. They had a really great trip there and it took less time than planned. This is the place where a regata is taking place so there are between 200-300 boats anchored nearby. Early that week the winds were high so they weren't able to get off the boat much and mom got sea sick. She is better now and hasn't had anymore trouble.

There is a little store that has internet and phone so she has been able to email us a couple of times to keep us posted and I've been able to talk to her on the phone 2 times for about 3 minutes each. Quick phone calls but so nice to hear both of their voices.

There are many activities going on so they seem to have plenty to keep them busy and are making lots of new friends, even some from Texas! It seems to be a pretty tight group because she said they keep running into people they met on other islands as they have traveled south. Steve and Kim (two friends from Plano) arrived on 2/24 to stay for a few days. I beleive they are leaving today but I know it has been nice to have familier faces around. Not to mention the suitcase full of goodies Kim has been keeping over the last month. We have been ordering things online that Mom and Don needed and having them shipped to Kim so she could take them on her trip. What a blessing - THANKS KIM! You were a lifesaver.

The nurse sharks are still all over the place and mom was able to stand on the shoreline last week and pet stingrays as they moved by. Sounded like a pretty cool experience. The snorkeling hasn't been that great so they will try again as they move to other locations.

I haven't heard from them since last Friday but I believe the plan is to leave Georgetown later this week, weather permitting, and travel to Long Island, Bahamas. They are still planning their travels but I think the next major stop will be the Dominican Republic.