Rich red,
bright gold are some of the colors we have seen with the beautiful skies and
glistening water along our travels. The colors that often reminded us of our
busy life’s back home. We knew that after all the beautiful colors faded plants
and trees would hibernate or die as old man winter creeps in. Just one of the
reasons we loved this journey. We were leaving old man winter behind. We seem
to never focus on the beauty of each season and what it brought with it.
Serenity had given us that pleasure. We traveled from Lake Erie and then down the ICW and enjoyed
all it's beauty. Swirling leaves that fell from trees, we often imagined it the
letting go process of the hustle and bustle of life back home. Cleaning up the
sailboat at the end of a days travels reminded us of what was important. Ted
always stated if we took care of Serenity, Serenity would take care of us. Each
time we left her I always kissed her and Ted would smile and say that is why
she treats us so well.
This year
Thanksgiving was difficult for us. The last few years we had hosted dinner with
children and grandchildren in attendance. This year we missed that very much.
Thinking about Christmas around the corner often saddened us. While we would be
alone for the holidays, we planned to go home in January.
Our day
was wonderful just like every other day since we left on our adventure. We did
boat chores, walked, spoke with cruiser friends, and had a delicious Mexican
dinner I had prepared for us. We then watched a movie and spoke with children
before turning in that evening. As we laid in the v-birth we spoke of how
excited we were head to Fort Meyers the next morning. We would wait
for a weather window and head to Key West. Ted smiled and stated New Years
Eve we would dance on the bow of the boat and it would be a memorable night that we
would never forget. Little did I know that this night would be our last night and
one that I would never forget.
I am so
very sad and do not have the words to explain how tomorrow is never promised.
Although I experienced just that. On
December 22nd while in LaBelle, Florida, Ted suffered a heart attack and
cardiac arrest stemming from undiagnosed sleep apnea. While I called 911, I am so thankful for
cruiser friends from Polar Pacer and Sanuk that assisted during this traumatic
time. I do not know what I would have done with out them. While family and
friends bowed in prayer to plead for a miracle on Christmas Day, Ted suffered
an anoxic brain injury and passed on December 27th. While my journey with Ted has ended for a
short, Ted’s new journey began in his Margaritaville state of mind that
he had spoke of in previous post.
January 5, 2013 family and friends honored Ted by
celebrating his life at The Covington Madison in Kentucky where his daughter Sara and Tommy
were married and his son Justin and Libby had their wedding reception. If you
knew Ted at all you would have known that he preferred this non-traditional way
of honoring his life oppose to a funeral service. Details were posted at www.celebrationoflifefortedryder.blogspot.com
Ted’s obituary written by his son Justin may be viewed at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/cincinnati/obituary.aspx?pid=162081784
I spoke
with David Anderson, for 'The Sailing Podcast'” recently and ensured him that
Ted would want the recent interview released as planned . You can now find that
interview at www.thesailingpodcast.com/blamebuffett
.
Ted
previously stated Jimmy Buffett's music can take you out of the rat race...off
of the hamster wheel...away from the nine to five grind, and place you on an
island, under a palm tree in warm tropical breezes, with the smell of salt in
the air. I wish to think that for a brief
moment that the songs we played will help me escape the ordinary
life...leave it behind, and imagine what it would be like to continue life
with Ted, my captain, my love just like a Jimmy Buffett song.
Ted and I sailed...sat under palm trees with our toes in the sand, smelled the salted air and listened to Jimmy Buffett’s song BoatDrinks. We relaxed, looked at the stars, and enjoyed our thoughts and down time. We wanted to be sun baked, salt encrusted, and have some fun. In short I want to think that Ted has an extended stay in Heaven’s Margaritaville and is waiting for me.
I guess what I am trying to say is I Blame Buffett for the fact that Ted is now singing his own song.
Sail on Ted, Sail on... Although I miss you , I will see you again some day.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers,
Shirl
My next post will be what I read
at the celebration for Ted.
Ted and I in Panama City
(Picture taken by Ted's daughter Sara)
(Picture taken by Ted's daughter Sara)
Ted with son Justin and daughter Sara
I can hear Ted saying this to me each time I read it.
(Thanks Dianne)
(Thanks Dianne)
What lovely words for a man that touched many lives; for I cannot whisper the words "Here's the deal" without having a tear fall down my cheek in memory of him. God Bless...
ReplyDeleteThat was wonderful Shirl :) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! Shirl, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss!
ReplyDeleteThinking about you, this is a wonderful blog!!
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful that you were able to blog about Ted. I am so sorry to here about his passing. It sounds like the two of you had a tight bond that a lot of people never get to experience. We will pray that your pain from loss can be eased. I will have new thoughts when listening to Buffett. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteShawnae & Mark
Sail on, Ted! I hope to continue your journey by following in your wake. Sail on, my brotha' of the sea!
ReplyDelete