The Healing Place
The thing about sailing is that to get from one place to another, we must sail. Come with me and let 10 knots of wind on the beam blow through your hair. See the sun perched in the middle of an endless blue sky. Feel the gentle ocean sway. Are you with me? Excellent. Now pump up the volume on that wind to a 30 knot Daft Punk blast. Black out the sun, turn on the rain, and scribble the sky with thunderheads. Lastly, stir the ocean vat in every direction vigorously enough to splash the water up and out of the sea. Still here? Great. Next, imagine you’re aboard Gerty, our steadfast girl. Only, she’s perimenopausal and moody as hell. The autopilot challenges her direction, and she flips it the finger. So it quits. At this point, if it were at all safe, I would have encouraged you to jump ship. Suffice to say, I’m glad you weren’t there. But Michael and I were, and the guy who was less seasick (Michael) took the brunt of it.
It’s always the same when the sailing sucks. We make it to our destination, quickly forget the pain, and learn from our mistakes. The sea state and utterly incorrect forecast were out of our control, but a software update problem caused the autopilot issue. Hint: when B&G asks if you want to update, click yes, but know that you may have to recalibrate the system.
Recalibrating in 1 knot of wind inside Tikehau atoll while chatting about the manta rays we had just gone swimming with was a joy.
Not to mention, Tasja and Ralf (SV Jangada) had reset our stomachs by treating us to homemade veggie burgers on freshly baked buns the night before. As I said, the pain from our terrible sail was long gone.
However, the pain of losing a loved one lasts, and we had lost John. Tikehau was our place to begin healing, and we were grateful for it. With a perfect Starlink connection, we contacted family daily and planned our trip home for John’s memorial. Also, with friends nearby, we soaked in their support and kindness. Thanks to Bruse and Carine’s encouragement, we dove the Tikehau pass and saw a hammerhead shark, an enormous green eel, and thousands of tropical fish.
The welcoming, warm-hearted locals, including Teacher Terava, the children at Tuherahera Primary School, and Jacob at the Garden of Eden, lifted us daily.
We appreciated everything about this lovely atoll, from the sing-song chorus of “la ora nas” every afternoon to the pizza and poke.
Last Remarks
- The best thing about The Celebration of John’s Life was doing just that together.
Comments (18)
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Amazing
Thanks, Lauren
Hope you are doing well. Love seeing your artwork – keep it coming
merry christmas from Brindisi/Italy, nice to read yourfantstic stories and watching your photos and videos. we are on the jump to big apple…the atlantic crossing getting on our bucket list…yours Axel & Giovanna
Happy Holidays, Axel and Giovanna! We’re so excited about your upcoming new adventure in New York. You’re going to have the time of your lives! Can’t wait to hear. . .
Wonderful as usual. Many thanks for your post and beautiful photos. I missed reading your blog.
Yay! Thank you! Glad you liked it. Still working on the ultimate blog . . . DEAR SISTER
Jill and Michael- Your blog is very touching- the pictures, music, the beautiful sea life floating in clear blue water- and of course your vivid descriptions. I am so
sorry for your loss and while I never met John, I have only heard wonderful things
about him. Just know that my thoughts are with you-
Fondly,
Nancy
Thank you Nancy! Glad you enjoyed this one and our thoughts are always with you as well. John and Jim- special does not begin to describe them. We’re lucky to have had them in our lives for sure.
Incredible images from your writing, and pictures — moving and still. You’ve brought us aboard, without the wind and seasickness! Sending lots of positive vibes and holiday greetings to you and the boys
Thank you, Tina. So fun to know you’re reading some of our posts. We’re never sure if anyone besides our Mom’s read this stuff- hahaha. Happy Holidays to you and the family!!!
Definitely one of your best posts… I’m loving all the stories, seeing all the people and sea creatures, and most of all feeling that you’re not so far away. This has to all be amazing for you both, and yet I’m looking forward to having you back in the USA!
Thanks Mom. The blogs are for you.
What spectacular verbal imagery, Jill, not to mention terrific photos and underwater video accompaniment. Your candor cracks me up (and I am so thankful not to have been aboard when Gerty flipped the bird…)
Thanks for reading this stuff, Liz and I’m glad you enjoyed it. For some reason it’s always easier to write/describe the wild/crazy/vomitty stuff than the tranquil peaceful stuff! ha! XOXO
Beautifully written. Drew me on board immediately. Can’t wait to read a novel of yours one day.
An intense way to spend some years, living life to the fullest.
And sorry for your loss.
Hugs and Admiration
Bella
Thank you Bella! So good to hear from you. Novels are slow, but I’ll get there. Starting to get some articles out now:) Will keep you posted. INTENSE- good word to describe this adventure! Thinking of you and the grandkids and hope all is well
Hello to you both!
Thank you for these wonderful photos. We’re so happy for you that you can enjoy life this way. We wish you all the best for the festive season, and hope you continue to sail with the wind to new destinations.
Hugs and kisses.
Affectionately
Fabienne and Yvan
It’s so GOOD to hear from you both Fabienne and Yvan! Thanks for writing. We hope you are doing well and I’m going to send a WhatsApp right now:)