Day 121

Heading home now. Wish I was already there; I’m super tired. Didn’t sleep well last night apparently. 

This was a good trip. I really felt like I was able to enjoy myself and didn’t feel guilty for it. Not sure I would declare this to be a “breakthrough” or a “victory”, this was just a good trip. Who knows, the next one I (or we) go on may be a disaster. I don’t think that will happen but I can’t rule out the possibility. It’s also worth mentioning that Dawn and I don’t have any other trips planned, this trip to Sarasota was the last one on our calendar. There have been some cursory discussions about making a trip to Iowa to visit Dawn’s parents this summer, but so far we’ve only kicked around some possibilities, nothing beyond that. It will happen, I just can’t say exactly when other than narrowing it down to June or July. 

*****

Damian, 

Mom and I went to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. It was pretty good. The coolest thing they had were manatees (x2). They are really big! Like 10 feet long and 1,500 pounds. The coolest thing about them are their tails. Think platypus only way bigger, probably almost 4 feet across at the widest point. 

After we got done at the aquarium, Mom and I walked over to the Sarasota Sailing Squadron. (They are right next to each other.) They were hosting an Opti / 420 / Laser regatta. Lots of boats. By the time we were walking in, the regatta was over and everyone was de-rigging. Seeing all the kids working on take their Optis apart and parents loading them onto car tops and trailers reminded me of all the Opti regattas that we went to over the years. Seems like forever ago but I have really fond memories of most of those trips. There were a couple of exceptions but on the whole I thought they were a great way to spend time together as a family. 

While we were there, we ran into some old acquaintances from Lake Lanier Sailing Club. I’m sure that you remember Sophia, Gwendolyn and Oliver. Sophia and Gwendolyn were both sailing this weekend - Laser 4.7 (Sophia) and 420 (G). Sophia came in 3rd in the 4.7 division. We first ran into their dad while everyone was pulling boats. He took us out on the water for a few minutes on their power boat. After we came back to shore, we got to see their mom. Both expressed their condolences – everyone does – and told us they were sad for us. It was good to see them again. They seem to really enjoy living in Sarasota. 

I’ll ping you again in a few days. Just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you and that I miss you every day that you’re not here with us.

Love, 

Dad

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