Paula’s ultimate voyage

I want to thank all of you Westsail enthusiasts for the cards and emails you have sent to me these past few weeks since I lost my beloved shipmate, lover, and wife.  All three in one Irish package, that you never knew what she would be up to next.

On Saturday, May 11 Paula made her final voyage.  She had made so many of them, on sailboats, motor boats, and cruise ships, it is hard to remember them all.

We scattered her ashes in the Pacific Ocean off Newport Beach, where she spent a good part of her life.  Her grandkids scattered flowers on the waters, and I gave her a final drink of her favorite wine.

Now she can roam the Seven Seas at will.  Which I know she will do. 

We will miss her.

DEATH IS LIKE THE SAILING OF A SHIP

SHE UNFURLS HER SAILS

IN THE RED OF THE SUNSET

AND HEADS FOR THE HORIZON

LEAVING BEHIND A GROUP OF

MOURNERS ON THE QUAY

AS SHE DISAPPEARS OVER THE HORIZON

SOMEONE SIGHS “THERE SHE GOES”

BUT AT THAT SAME MOMENT

ON A DISTANT SHORE

BEYOND THE HORIZON

ANOTHER GROUP IS WAITING

AND SOMEONE SIGHS DELIGHTEDLY

“HERE SHE COMES!”

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