We are attempting to wind up the material for the web site. Going
over logs and photos brings memories into a sharp focus again. These
experiences will be part of things we learned and ways in which we
grew as human beings.
From the
time we left the boat in Man O' War Cay in the Bahamas in early
April our lives have been focused strongly on family. We shared
the elation with our son, John, and daughter-in-law, Stacey, at
the birth of their fourth child, and first son, John Charles McNeil
Gray, III. This happy event occurred on July 7, 2002.
My brother
Jerome Hagood, was able to see young John when he was just a few
weeks old, and it meant a lot to him to meet the youngest member
of the family before his death on October 6, 2002. Jerome suffered
a painful illness, but one pleasure that would always bring a smile
was visiting with, or hearing about the young ones in the family.
Two of our grandchildren were born during the period of our circumnavigation
and three adult family members died. Our trip was meaningful to
each of our family and we had many good times talking with Charlie's
Aunt Faire, and my brother, Jerome, about our experiences.
Sea Gem is
back in Titusville. We have officially circumnavigated the earth.
She is getting some R&R to put her back into tip top shape.
We will see what the future holds.
We have a
little magnet on our refrigerator with the slogan:
"Life
is uncertain, eat dessert first."
For all those
that are trying to make a decision about whether to do something,
we both urge you to "Go for it." We are thankful we circumnavigated
when we did. Our travels have given us better perspective of some
other cultures, yet we only touched their surface. The hope for
peace in the world lies in understanding, and the best understanding
is person to person.
Our gratitude for this opportunity is deep. Most of our trip was
before the heightened awareness of terrorism in the world.
We prepare
for the next adventure with eager anticipation. We are off loading
excess items. If you didn't use it in more than three years while
sailing around the world, chances are . . . you don't need it. There
is so much we want to see. Perhaps we will stay closer to home for
a while and visit places in the United States we have not seen.
The following
quotation from Marcel Proust sums up a lot of my feelings:
"The true voyage of discovery consists, not in going to new
places, but in seeing with new eyes."
From Sea Gem,
back in the home waters of the Indian River Lagoon, until later
. . .
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