What a week

Well, we had a glorious time on the boat over the weekend. My sweetheart had a great birthday dinner on Thursday evening followed by a play at one of the city theaters. On Friday, we cast off lines and headed up the coast to one of the more beautiful barrier islands. It is noted for its "boneyard" of trees that have fallen due to storms and the shifting sands of a barrier island.

We shared the island with about 35 Scouts from a nearby troop.  They were camped in a tent city on the windward side of the island, while we were anchored away from the inlet and a bit in the lee.

We had walks on the beach and cooked Saturday night's dinner over a campfire. It was so relaxing to be there and enjoy the view and the rocking of the boat.  I have said this before--I could spend weeks on end doing cruising, dropping the hook whenever I am ready, and exploring new places.

Things got a bit more complex after getting home.  My wife had eye surgery yesterday.  It was scheduled, and she is doing well.  My first sponsor was admitted to the hospital again with breathing difficulties. He has a serious diagnosis so sending good thoughts his way would be much appreciated.

The complications came about because he has his beloved dog and cat living in his apartment. It has been a terribly hard decision for him, but he has decided to give up his animals because he can no longer take care of them due to his illness. Many phone calls and text messages were made to find homes for them. I am amazed at the wonderfully supportive network of people who love animals. It warmed my heart to know that people were willing to drive for 5 hours to get the dog, a greyhound that he adopted through a rescue group.  I needed some restoration of good will in fellow humans.

I am feeling a lot of concern about my sponsor.  But I know that he is being taken care of in the hospital. Things happen so quickly with illnesses.  One day a person is doing okay, and the next there is some life-threatening illness occurring. I have learned how important it is to have all affairs in order.  One never knows.

I had my own appointment yesterday.  Last week, I had a "thunderclap" headache after doing a Cross Fit workout. It came on so quickly and was so stunningly painful that I could barely move.  Thankfully, the terrible pain subsided after about two minutes. And gradually the headache went away after an hour.  The trainer thought that the episode needed evaluating, so I saw my doctor yesterday.  I am getting a CT scan next week. I am sure that I am okay, but it doesn't hurt to check. Thunderclap headaches can be associated with blood leakage in vessels in the brain. Nothing to mess around with.

Today, my wife goes in for her post-operative checkup.  She is tired from the anesthesia.  But we hope to have lunch after the appointment and then come home to relax.  Both of us are ready to sail away again!

I am thankful for the calmness that I have learned through Al-Anon.  So many of these things would have had me in knots years ago. I still have concerns but realize that panic isn't an option.

Hope that your week is stress free. Or at least the stress is manageable. Later....