03/22/2022
Well, I decided to create a page to cornicle the adventure ahead. They say, "a journey of a million miles starts with the first step". Since technically the first step is already made I have some catching up to do. In 2021, while off work on medical leave, I was formally diagnosed with PTSD. That was no shocker to anyone close to me over the past 15-20 years. It was a tough blow to the ego though. No more ability to be in denial. It's been a soul searching time to say the least. In August of 2021 I went on a little trip to celebrate my 25th wedding anniversary with Laurie. The fact that we are still married is a big testament to her understanding and patience. Well, that trip included a number of ferry crossings while touring the sunshine coast and Vancouver Island. WOW!!! I could not believe how calm I felt inside while on the water. Even on one of our colder and windier crossings I sat comfortable on the foredeck soaking up the experience that only the salt sea air can offer. I did have a mental health setback after the trip unfortunately. Through my sessions with my psychologist, and a lot of soul searching, I realized the setback was partly due to the longing for the sea. I guess, subconsciously I was already longing and had not realized. I had been looking at sailboats online prior to the trip but had not felt it could be a reality. In November 2021 I entered in to an agreement to purchase SV Moon Shadow. She was "on the hard" in Whiteway, Trinity Bay Newfoundland. Suitably located near my Mother in law's place in Heart's Delight. As I began the journey I found many things that felt like "signs" it was meant to be. My grandmother, Sara Harnum (nee: Jackson) was born and raised in Whiteway. There are still relatives of mine living there to this day. The current boat owner had an Address on "Calgary" street. Things seemed skewed to connect the dots between Alberta and Newfoundland in a way that was undeniable. Then, on facebook, I found the picture which I stole as my cover photo. It's of a rainbow in Whiteway. It comes towards the ground, coincidentally, over top of SV Moon Shadow in storage. I now have our plane tickets booked for the Newfoundland trip (July 2022) and I'm trying to picture what things will look like. Let the adventure begin.