Even if it seems crazy, do it.

sauerleigh · Post by **sauerleigh** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 3:15 am

The story.

When the Tall Ships visited Cleveland just after July 4th, I was reading about the venue and I noticed that some of the ships were available for 1 1/2 and 3 hour charters. The price varied between $2700 and $4500, for from 25 to 45 guests. My first thought was, "I can swing that". I had money left in the personal line of credit I obtained to buy the "Maudie Kay" and even if I went all out I'd still have enough left to refit her. The majority of the family lives within about 20 miles of Cleveland, kids, grandkids, great grandkids, nieces and nephews and a few friends could all enjoy the experience, but I only had about 24hrs to pull it off. Then the second thoughts started coming in. A vacation, another sailboat for me and so on. Mom offered to pay half the cost. I told her we'd go the next time they came to town, when we'd have more time to plan.

Mom had been to Europe 15 times, South America twice. She'd flown over the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls in planes and helicopters several times. She'd sailed on a cruise ship, been on a hydrofoil and a hovercraft across the English Channel. She spent a week on a barge trip in England, ridden on all the high speed trains of Europe and the trains in this country years ago. But she'd never been on a Windjammer.

A large part of my life are memories of good times. In retrospect, if mom, my first mate and myself were the only passengers that trip, it would have been worth it. Mom's final voyage began July 27th.

FranS · Post by **FranS** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 5:30 am

Say Ahmen to that! Carpe Diem!

Sounds like Mom was one of a kind!

Windward · Post by **Windward** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 7:28 am

Wow. Words fail me -- they all seem superficial or cliche. Your mom rocked, and it sounds like she knew you were proud of her.

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 8:02 am

I hear ya...

Losing a parent or SO can put life into perspective, and sometimes we need to be reminded of what is truly important.

I wish my Dad an I had more time to enjoy sailing together

But wow! She sounds like she had a heck of a good time!

hp18carr · Post by **hp18carr** » Sat Aug 21, 2010 9:44 am

Parents... there truly are things in this world that can never be replaced. May your memories of your mother never fade.

Terrence
Wilmington N.C.
Chrysler 26 1980
Pandora (for now)