Finally all aboard!

               This has been a day of firsts.  First day/night on the boat, first morning cup of coffee and breakfast on the boat, Mike’s first shower at the marina…little things to be sure, but all these little things set us up of living the life we crave. 

               This morning we went out to walk the dogs and talked a little about how life has changed so radically in such a short time.  We talked about the things we wanted when we first got married – American dream stuff, white picket fence, two car garage, 2.5 children and a stable life.  All that’s gone now and what has replaced it, we decided, was more like the life our children lead.  How funny is that?  Most parents (I know mine did) want a life for their children that is better, yet still the same, for their kids.  But Mike and I have always encouraged the kids to live the life less ordinary.  We wanted them to follow their passions and travel, meet new people and discover the world in a way that was not mundane.  And they did!  Hales is fueled by her disease, for sure, but one positive aspect of her illness is that she has seen much of the United States…I wish it could have been under better circumstances, but this is a small positive aspect in a life gone so haywire.  Ian is a world traveler!  Recently we spoke of his need to list all the places outside our country he’s visited for an application into the Navy.  He realized, after seeing the list in black and white, that he’s seen a great deal of our little blue globe.  When we talked about this fact I was struck at how proud I felt of the way he’s led his life.  Proud and, quite honestly, jealous! 

               So, if most parents want for their children, what they wanted…maybe that means that we've wanted this life all along?  I feel blessed to be here.

               And the pups!  They are doing very well.  Marley has taken to the boat as if she’s always been on one.  She may be a little bit discombobulated, but I'm sure that will end soon.  She jumped up on the step that leads to the Starboard door this morning and I thought, “We’ll be ok with her.  She already knows where to go when she needs to go!”  Sennah is doing well with the help of Dramamine.  We dosed her in the late morning, took her for a long walk and then tried to board the boat.  With the calming effect of the Dramamine, she did just fine, not perfect, but a huge improvement!  She got another dose this morning and we will keep her drugged until she feels secure. 

               We are dealing with leaks.  I'm ok with it!  Funny, I thought I'd be freaked out, but I realize she’s an old boat…she’s gonna leak!  And, I’m living with Mr. Fix it.  Lucky me!