Adventure 461: The Story of George, An Era Past, 38

March 26, 2018

Real time found George healthy, but a bit confused about the act of peeing. He's begun to complain about his permanent catheter. He seems not to understand why it's necessary, nor does he remember the 8,760 time he self-cathertized over the past four years. This is problematic in the sense that he may, in a fit of irrational rage, try again to pull the thing out. Understated, that would not be good. Adding to the uncertainty is just how much cognitive power he has left. On the positive side, he dresses and bathes himself. He's still ambulatory with the walker, and he's hovering at about 78.5% per week in terms of remembering his pills. He's eating pretty well, drinking about half the water he should, and he's avoiding sweets better than ever. He and Vina are still active. So, the bottom line is that he requires monitoring, but with that he should be able to abide this life for some time--baring any illness or the return of an infection. Oh, and his hip hurts. We're trying to see if Dr. Mueller will poke him with a cortisone shot, which may help. So, all in all, he's doing well, and we're hoping for continued grace.

As for me, I'm in the midst of spiritual upheaval. It's just another example of the universe seeking me out in ways that provide care and connection. In this case, it comes as an observance of the end of an era. Both the boats and a friend are defunct. My friend, ship mate, brother-in-law, and partner died last week. He died the same day Sam and his crew demolished the Eagle. It's as if a strong and cruel hand reached down and tore several pages from my experience, leaving just the shreds and tears. Except that even the shreds of the pages have left words of love. Clearly, the connections Jim and I shared were enhanced by our time together on the boat. We had both idle chats and deep seated discussions on everything from our emotional ruptures to our most sublime realizations. I'll miss him. I'll miss the boat, but I'll remember the healing breath of the wind over my shoulder every time i see a sail full bitten on the wind.

 Using a basket strapping technique, the expert crane operator set the Eagle down like a mother laying her child to rest.

 Even in this sad repose, she's showing her elegant lines.

 Vina made this stuffed animal for George.