"Twenty years from now You will be more disappointed by the things You didn't do than by the ones You did do. So throw away the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in Your sail.. Explore, Dream, Discover!" – Mark Twain

After spending eight days sailing in the South Pacific the sunrises and sunsets begin to look alike. They resemble each other but appear on opposite sides of our boat as we sail south towards New Zealand. Shades of white to yellow, orange, red, violet, purple then gray. We watch as a Crew after dinner in silence, perhaps because we are awestruck. After grueling dogwatches and night shifts the sunrises in the reverse color order. Whoever has the sunrise shift usually watches with only one other crewmember as it comes up on the port side. The sunrise raises anticipation of what shall come, perhaps another day in paradise, not knowing just wondering what is to come in our future. It’s curious that the sunrises conclude the day but the night shifts are just beginning.

This journey on Oceans of Hope has us conquering the unknown. We started in the Polynesians of Samoa. Enduring four days of heat sailing to Tonga. Then leaving the Polynesian paradise to sail eight days and 1100 nautical miles to New Zealand where the temperatures have us dressed in polar fleece and foul weather gear. We as a Crew have united into a fellowship, relying on each other, not knowing what lies ahead! Our leadership from our Captain Christian and Bosun Bertram are the link to our success, they are the strength that carries our Oceans of Hope journey to a successful conclusion.

Oceans of Hope feels like our home now. We all realize that MS is not a disability, simply a swell on the Sea. It has its highs and its lows, its ups and its downs. We have learned that everyday is a challenge, but we always look forward to that sunrise and sunset!

I hope that all my family and friends at home are well. My wife who is my life, My Marine and My Ranger, My daughter who blessed me with my Grandchildren Charlie and Maddie. Mom, Bro and Sis. I Love and miss you all! Today go out and see the Sunrise and tonight the Sunset! Cheers!