One of the amazing gifts of this coming year will be the opportunity to meet new people in each port we visit.  I love connecting with new people, feeling the pulse of our hearts beating together for a few minutes or a few hours, until we go on our separate ways.  Hearing their stories, sharing a laugh or a meal, or just a passing glance…

I look forward to sharing these moments with you throughout the year, but the first leg of our trip has been spent with old friends, not new ones.  Our departure was sprinkled with the fairy dust of 34 of our dearest friends and family.  Rosemary, Frank, Kathy, Mike, Steffanie, Rob, Madison, Drew, Jennifer, Drew, Matthew, Nicholas, Emma, Pam, Matt, Ethan, Emily, Larry, Cheryl, Bruce, Kathy, Art, John, Molly, Stephanie, Tracy, Olivia, Sam, Stacie, Jules, Pat, Austin, James, and Christina all brought their smiles, their tears, and their deepest wishes for a safe and special voyage.  We will never forget how it felt to be sent off with such a wave of love.

In Port Washington, we had a wonderful time with our friends the Weintraubs.  Chris and Eric were friends at Cornell and our two families enjoyed an evening together talking about the exciting start of our trip.  Our children played and laughed together as if they had always been friends.  It hit me that night, after hours of dinner, ice cream, and lots of talking, that our trip would be full of hellos and goodbyes.  That goodbye came much too quickly.  We would have enjoyed a whole week with Eric, Eileen, and their beautiful boys.

We also saw Kathy, my dad, my ‘aunt’ Reenie, and her daughter while in Port Washington.  It was a quick visit, but it was comforting to see my dad and Kathy one last time before heading off for a year.  They spent a lot of time with us the last few months, helping us to prepare for our trip, so it was great that they really got to see us underway.  Our goodbyes with them were quick but full of emotion.  I tried to remind myself that we would see them several times during our trip as they are planning on visiting us in several ports along the way.

Our next stop brought more tears of joy and bittersweet goodbyes.  A few hours in Port Jefferson included emotional reunions with my Cornell roommate, Sue Nissle and my neighbors from my hometown, Mindy Morales and Mike Matz.  Dinner, ice cream, and a visit to the boat were just a backdrop for the mile-a-minute chatter.  We tried to cram years worth of catching up into just a few hours and it wasn’t nearly enough.  These friends played such an important part in my life and are still dear to my heart.  While sad to say goodbye, I was so happy to see that they are all moving

joyfully down their paths in life.  They have grown and changed and experienced a million moments since we were a daily part of each other’s lives, but the parts of us that connected so strongly years ago are still there.  Those deep parts of my heart felt like they were home in their presence and I look forward to seeing them again when we return.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And then there was Newport.  Lana and Dave Armitage are our dear, dear friends.  Chris and I raced (sailboats) with Dave a thousand years ago, in another life.  We spent days and weeks together on High Noon, Chris’ dad’s boat.  Dave is a special soul, and I owe him a debt of gratitude for meeting, falling in love with, and marrying Lana so many years ago.  Lana and I were instant friends and soulmates.  We connect in deep ways that can’t be explained.  We are as different as we are alike and I have never spent a moment with her where I wasn’t living completely in the present.  We laugh, we cry, and we share our most vulnerable dreams.  We journeyed together as strong, single women; as newly married brides; as parents; and as friends.  Part of my courage stems from the knowledge that Lana will be there for me as I continue to forge my own unique Path through life.

Dave, Lana, Chris, and I have spent five precious days together.  Our children have had an amazing time playing non-stop. Today, on the verge of having to say goodbye to each other, Lana gave me a poem she wrote for me. Her words show how much she loves me. I hope she feels just as special with me as I do with her.  Here’s to new friends, old friends, and goodbyes that only last a little while…

Always, by Lana Rae Armitage

Friends across the miles, even though states apart

Friends across the water, for we are close at heart

Hands reaching out through space and time

No better friendship could we find

Open and caring the thoughts we’re sharing

As we endeavor to keep our hearts from despairing

I will cherish your journey as if mine own

As you sail the waters in your new home

Supporting and cheering this dream you hold dear

As you face the wind and waves of Life without fear.