Voyage 2020: Chapter 3

24 Jul 2020, Critical Condition, 34 06.348 N/ 077 55.902 W

Captain Ann (ret.) is my wife of 46 years, mother of three children, and grandma of 5 grandkids. In 2007, she survived a pancreatic tumor, but lost 70 % of her pancreas and her spleen. However, her health gradually declined with a variety of ailments. Nevertheless she sailed over 30,000 nautical miles on Jule III with me, and our two cats. One week and one day ago, she had a total mitral valve failure with an associated pulmonary edema (fluid in the lung). Life went from good to critical. Today she has a 'tissue' valve and another 'zipper'; a temporary pacemaker, and a ventilator. The prognosis is guarded but favorable ... after a long voyage through the ICU and rehabilitation. Due to Covid, we can't see her, talk to her. The nurses and doctors of New Hanover Regional Medical Center have been exceptional in her care and kindness to me. We know this will have a happy ending with our prayers. Thanks for listening.

3 Aug 2020, Family, Hurricane, Waiting, 34 06.348 N/ 077 55.902 W

The family came to care of their Dad (me) and hoped to hear from their mother. Chris, Christina, and the kids came for a week, cooked. worried, worked remotely (as they did at home). Logan helped Chris with his work while Lilli was practicing something. Christina was helping me clean Ann's closet and that was a mean chore indeed. Rob and his family couldn't come down due work and Covid issues in Richmond. They contacted us every day to ask how Ann was doing. During the period, I saw the families often.

Hurricane Isaias was bearing down near Wilmington with remnants heading for the boat on the Chesapeake. We (Mattie and I) closed up the house, drove to the boat, and hunkered down while Isaias passed with 30 knot winds in the marina and water above the docks. There was no damage to the boat and minimal to the house, only a couple of small trees fell and a bit of fascia board. Ann was sedated for over 2 weeks so she knew nothing of the hurricane.