* Columbus, Indiana *
Our current situation . . . will be keeping us at home longer than we hoped or planned. It has been six weeks since we packed up and headed home seeking additional medical attention for our sweet pup, Remy. While we have been a little off the radar, a lot has been happening on the home front. Just when ramping up for our return to the Now or Never and our Great Loop adventure, our Captain ended up in the ER. Four weeks later, 2 hospital stays, multiple tests, two heart catheterizations, and one open heart surgery, he is home and on the mend.
He pushed through it all like a champ. Each day he is gaining more strength and getting closer to returning to boat life. But the crew will be home for a while. There is still a long road ahead with recuperating and physical therapy.
This is a tough post. The career of a police officer makes one very private. We are also cognizant that we have a lot of people close to us going through tougher times. And David hates (Hate with a capital H), being the center of any attention. For those reasons, we have been flying under the radar and have not shared much. But because we invited you on our journey, and you have been so supportive, we felt we should give you the low down on why we have not returned to our adventure.
We are 12 days post-surgery and David is progressing well with his recuperation. Most likely it will be several months before he will be back in any shape to captain our boat and continue with our journey.
However, we are being realists (Tasha more than David). At that point, Remy will be 15 years old (July 1). Remy is doing well, however as a senior pup; she is growing weaker and has less energy than just a couple of months ago. She still loves to play and demands her daily walks, but Tasha is concerned about her agility on the boat. Slick surfaces, steep steps, long and hot docks, and wave action all prove to be difficult for a stable bodied pup, let alone a senior who is starting to show her age. It all just may be too much for all of us.
The pause button is full ON (it was flashing) and it may go into a long-term delay. We have every intention of continuing our journey, though it may be a while.
How did we get to this? Call it luck or good timing, we believe divine intervention with one red headed pup leading the way home. Having come home just over six weeks ago to ensure our pup recovered from a scary episode, Tasha strongly encouraged (and nurse sister Tiffany persisted) David to head to the doctor (like we aren’t returning to the boat until you have this looked at) to check out sciatica in his hip and back that he had been struggling with for most of the trip. David had resisted medical intervention as he didn’t want to interrupt our journey. It had gotten very debilitating and was restricting our movement in ports as well as very painful. Reluctantly he made the call and ended up at his doctors. We were hoping the visit would provide some relief and the journey continue right away. What we didn’t contemplate were additional underlying issues having nothing to do with his back that he was experiencing and shared with his doctor.
The following day after working in the yard a bit, he came in and sat down, when Tasha asked if he was ready to go get mulch, he indicated he thought that we should head to the ER instead. And from there the past four weeks have been a whirlwind.
His surgery was serious, but routine. David is doing well, we would like to say it was a breeze, but those who have had bypass or have been with loved ones who have, know that this is a very painful surgery and recovery. In David’s case he had 7 bypasses performed and the recovery just takes time. To those who thought living on a boat full time (44 x 15) was a lot of togetherness, this surgery, recovery, and nursing takes togetherness to a whole new level.
We are thankful we were home with family and friends as Remy’s issue led us home to where we needed to be at this time. By the luck of the draw, David has had wonderful doctors and nurses for his immediate and continuing care. We are encouraged by his progress and the support of healthcare team that he will be up and back at it as soon as he fully heals.
We were given about a weeks’ notice prior to the surgery. Many of you know that our Captain can be quite particular when it comes to his boat. Coming up on a month from when we had left her and thinking that is all the longer we would be away, he was becoming very antsy. We woke up one day and he indicated, we must go check on the boat! Um, not so quick Captain. After the first mate shut him down, it was determined that Tasha would go check on the boat. David would stay home with Remy while he could still drive and get around.
Tasha packed a light bag and left that afternoon. Thankful for an overnight delay and derby party at her dear friend Sabrina’s house in Lexington, KY, she was on the road at 6 am the next day for the 13-hour (15 all together) road trip. Tasha made one stop in Jacksonville to meet up with looper friends Keith and Lisa from Cell Mates for dinner before arriving in Melbourne.
The following day, Tasha washed the boat, packed up some things we needed at home, unpacked some things we returned to the boat, and secured dockage and boat washing for the next couple of months.
Keith and Lisa drove down from Jacksonville and helped with moving the boat so we could get a pump out, checking the strainer (to ensure proper
water flow for the air conditioning) and Keith climbed out on the roof of the aft deck to wash it down. The osprey’s have taken over the Now or Never and have left quite a mess.
Tasha packed up the fridge, freezer, and a whole pickup full of “stuff” the next day and drove back to Lexington for a late dinner with Sabrina, before heading to Cincinnati the following morning to see her mom on the way home. What a few days. So thankful for wonderful friends Sabrina, Lisa, and Keith who jumped in last minute to help us when needed. The journey in life is so much richer when traveled with good friends!
We are also grateful for the love and support from family and friends while we have navigated this health issue. It’s good to be home. God is good.
We’re settling in. Remy had a visit from her favorite neighbor boys from the old hood. They came to visit and brought puppy cookies and a new toy, an octopus in honor of her sea travels. She loved the visit as well as her treats and toy!
And she’s been hanging with brother Ryan’s pup Willow.
Amongst the items Tasha brought home was her sewing machine and she is hopeful to get some projects done. There is plenty to do. You may recall, just prior to us leaving on our Great Loop adventure, we (David) had just fully gutted and remodeled our downsized home, sold our long-time home, and moved. We never completely unpacked or got rid of everything we needed to. We also had a few small projects left undone, so we (Tasha) have plenty to do while David convalescents and starts rehab.
We are regularly reminded, don’t wait, life goes faster than you think. Do it now, there will never be a perfect time. We are so happy we got 10 months and over 3,000 miles traveled on the loop, you just never know.
We hope you’ll continue to stay subscribed to our blog posts and a member of our FB page, we will keep you posted from time to time and let you know as we plan to return to America’s Great Loop. Our hearts are with the waterways we traveled, the American communities we visited, and the friends we met and continue to follow on their journey. We can’t wait to get back to it all! But for now, home is feeling pretty good.
Cheers! David, Tasha, & Remy
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I am hoping that David progresses well. Inner strength helps heal and his hard work will carry you all (Remy, included) through this “bump in the road”. It has been a real pleasure getting to know you through your adventures. I will say a little prayer for all three of you for good health in the times to come. Thank you for taking me on your journey.
Thank you Judy, we appreciate the prayers!
You are all in our prayers, I was glad I could see David for a few minutes at the hospital post surgery after hearing the shocking news of his surgery. We never know what plans God has in store for us, take care my friends.
Thank you Dave – he was so happy to have had your visit!
Sorry to hear about your surgery Dave. Sending you wishes for a speedy recovery!!
Thank you Becky!
I had no idea of this when I seen him yesterday I thought to myself afterwards Chief looks pale and tired….. now it makes sense so glad he is doing better and best wishes on getting back to the water
Thank you – that was our first venture out – good to see you!
Glad to hear y I u are on the mend. I enjoyed reading of your adventures and hope you are back on the water again as soon as circumstances allow. If I can be of help on or around the boat, feel free to ask. My USCG license was just renewed so I am up for an adventure should you need assistance. Hug Remy for me, they are such special companions.
Thank you – what a kind offer. We’ll keep you in mind. I think our Captain is hoping to get down there himself soon to check things out.
Popeye, you will be back at it in no time. Eat your spinach and listen to Olive! If you need anything please let me know.
Bluto
Thank you!
Prayers for speedy recovery.
David your strength will return, and possibly much more than before your procedure.
Tasha, Thank you for taking care of my cousin, you are WONDERFUL!
Remy, woof! woof! Good girl!
THank you Debbie! We appreciate the prayers.
Sending prayers, hugs and good wishes for all of you!
Thank you Georgie – Hope Dennis is doing well!
Wow…now that’s a story! So glad the captain was able to get needed surgery and recuperate. First mate is a tough job…you rock it! Sending love to you all and a kiss for Remy. 💗🐾
Thanks Candy – wish we were closer – Remy would love a play date at the new homestead – how wonderful!
Wow, sorry you are dealing with all this but thank goodness you were home! Eric and I are sending healing vibes. Tank still pulls to go see Remy no matter what boat is where you were. Hugs to you all. Take care and if we can do anything please let us know.
Thank you – Remy would love to see Tank again! Too bad you won’t be cruising through Indiana!
So sorry to hear about this medical set back, but thankful you all were home. God has his way no matter what plans we have!
Please take care of yourselves! Thank you for sharing your status. I’ll be praying for continued healing!
Sabrina Myers Snyder
Thank you Sabrina! God is good!
Hey kid, what are you doing, trying to scare us all? I am so sorry to hear about your health scares, but so very thankful God brought you home to Columbus, rather than all this happening out at sea. You saw first hand with Ed that it could have been much worse. Keeping you all in our prayers. I know from Tim’s heart surgery, it’s going to take some time to get your strength back, so don’t try rushing things. These old bodies don’t bounce back as quick as they used to. Sending love and prayers!
Thank you Fran! We appreciate the prayers.
WTH !!!! So surprised to read this. He drank his beer at lunch with us without any trouble. Who would have thought he was unwell 😉
We are sssoooo happy you found this when you did. We went through this with Dan in ‘06 and understand all the feelings you both have.
Know we love you both and would love to help with any projects needed done. Please call if we can be if help. Always available for a boat wash/check run as well.
Dan said to remind Dave to NEVER leave his pillow !! Dan did once and it scared him to death when he had to sneeze.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Thank you Mary. We had no idea when we were with you. The pillow is his best friend!
Sorry Dave had to go thru this . Take care and hope your recovery goes well. Love and miss you all.
Thank you Ruth – we miss you too! Remy sends her love!
It’s amazing how divine intervention can put us in the right place at the right time. How fortunate Dave was home and near his doctors. I’m so glad he is now on the mend. He’ll come back stronger than ever.
My Dave also had a medical situation in the towards the end of our Loop. We got to know intimately how wonderful the Canadian Medical System is. Also made numerous trips back and forth to Ohio to see his doctors. Give Dave our love and we’ll keep an eye out for future blogs.
Thank you Debbie – love seeing your Canada photos!