Pulling up to the dock in Juneau this morning among the towering floating cruise cities was bittersweet for both of us. The familiarity now of Juneau felt strangely comforting; "oh, yeah, we know where the library is, the hardware store, the restaurants to avoid, and which ones the locals go to..." But the reality of leaving the Catalyst, crew and Alaska was... tearful.
Here is the crew:
The decision was made that Randy will not finish out his anticipated season on the boat, but instead will return with me, to get his back and shoulder checked out. Perhaps there is something that can be done to remedy whatever is the problem. Which hasn't been getting better on its own. It was a difficult decision, understandably. This may also allow him some time to see his mom in Ohio who just entered a nursing home and apparently is rapidly showing signs of dementia. And time to visit his sister Bev in Pittsburgh, before he resumes his duties and responsibilities back at the church in July as scheduled. So, bittersweet. Sad to leave such an amazing part of the world, which manages to get inside of one somehow; sad to prematurely leave his place on the boat; and also glad to be getting home.
We flew from Juneau back to Seattle today, on to Boston tomorrow. Very strange to maneuver through busy crowds and traffic at the airport instead of maneuvering through ice -floes and rainforests. The earth still sways and rocks in that wonderful, soothing, familiar way. Probably by tomorrow, or the next day, the earth will stand still again, and it will be us that moves along with the current of the business that seems to be inevitable in life. We will be so joyful to see loved and cherished ones again. It seems, for me, so much longer than just three-plus weeks in the wilderness. And for Randy, it seems longer than two months. We are not the same, either of us, as when we left home. This changes one forever....
We hope to see you soon!!
Love,
Randy and Carie
Wow ... that time seemed to go fast! Sorry to hear about Randy's back and shoulder problems! :(
ReplyDeleteI recall how jarring it was to return to land after 2 weeks in the wilds of Baja. Every fiber of my being screamed to take me back to the solitude of the sea!!!
May your reentry go well. May this added time at home continue to refresh and renew your spirits.
Your travels sound fabulous, and I'm eager to get the in-person report when I see you again!
Blessings and love,
Gay
So sorry to learn your adventure has been short circuited:( Yes, memories will remain, but it's not the real thing. Prayer for your shoulder Randy... and for Carie's Bell What a yoyo time. Love you Mom
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