Ann's Surprise Retirement Celebration

 As of this writing (8-14-24 ) Ann and I have been married just a little over 13 years. Prior to meeting Ann, we discovered that our lives paralled on many levels, mostly in the things we did recrearionally. Outside of our recreational parallel, was 1 that stood out the most, and that was of Ann's career. Ann was a pediatric physical therapist, and I was good friends and God Father to one of her clients. My friends always ranted and raved over the care and concern Ann showed toward her client and his parents. This, and the way she treated her step children as her own, convinved me that she would do the same for me and my own. After a relatively short courtship of 1 year, Ann and I joined our lives together in Holy matrimony.

Ann had been working for Franklin County Home Health Agency for 30 years. Over the years I had heard such great things about the agency. Striving to be a loving Husband, I would listen to Ann share about the tremendous work she and her coworkers were doing. I came to realize that the love for what they do, and the love for the people they serve had created a legacy that not many agencies can boast of these days. Their attention to detail and desire to be thorough in their follow through should be an example for the whole health care community these days!

Ann retired in March of 2024 and had visions of rest and relaxation, accompanied by a light work schedule that were on her terms. Life showed up, and quickly showed her that life had terms of it's own. Terms that required her inate skills as a detective and strong health care advocate. Prior to our 13 year anniversary, to a much needed get away to Moosehead Lake in Maine, my 90 year old mom had taken a fall ( one of many in the last year ). We gave her all the attention she needed, and arranged for all the necessary care that we thought she needed before we went away. Another fall while we were gone caused us to leave from our anniversary get away prematurely. Since then our lives have been full of twists and turns that went against Ann's retirement plans and mine. A couple of them were of me injuring my knee at work, and my son needing rides to an abundance of doctors appointments. All the while balancing attention between 6 of our 8 grandchildren and their parents. Living one day at a time has a deeper meaning to us now. Acceptance became a big lesson for Ann and myself. Once Ann came to terms that her skills were needed for the care of my mom, and we believe a greater purpose, things began to happen rapidly.

My appreciation for Ann, and what she was doing for my now, 91 year old mom was tremendous. I began to see first hand, the type of work she did, and how she administered it with such devoted love and care. I was devoted to giving her a time of rest, and to honor her for all of her hard work. One of our dreams, and we have many, was to spend a couple of nights or more aboard a yacht. I began to do my research and came across Sail Wild Air. Everything about their business appealed to me. They do overnights and are willing to accomadate plans to customize ones experience. I didn't yet have a plan, but I was about to make one up; with the help of Captain Erol, and later with Captain Jeff.

Everything about this was going to be a secret. I had several accomplices that played their parts perfectly. All Ann knew was that she had to block off July 4th to the 6th in her calendar, pack as if she was at the beach by day, and camping by night. Oh, and perhaps a dinner out.  The days leading up to Ann's cruise was met with challenges. The forecast looked iffy, but most of all, Ann's advocacy for moms care had paid off. Mom was being discharged to get the subacute care she desperatley needed on the eve of our departure. We scambled to make mom comfortable, and assured her that she was in good hands. We told mom of our plans, and we were given her blessing. Neither of us slept well the nights prior to Ann's surprise. We were like kids at Christmas. Each of us excited for different reasons. 

It's customary for us to go out for breakfast when we set out for adventures. Not much was open for the 4th.  We called, and or drove by resturants that we thought were open. All the while driving south to Malletts Bay and Moorings Marina. We struck gold when we found the Athens Diner, in Colchester open ( one of our favorite diners ). After a quick breakfast we set out to find a Dunkin Donuts, which is another custom of ours.  Malletts Bay lies within the borders of Colchester, Vt. and a DD was just around the corner from Ann's first surprise. Ann knew that we needed to be somewhere for 9:30 AM. A 4th of July parade was taking shape along our route. When we started to back track to the marina at around 9:20, Ann began to panic. Little did she know that we were right on schedule. I made a sudden turn into Moorings Marina as if it was a last second decision. ( I'm famous for that when on adventure ). I drew her attention to the many boats sitting in the harbor and said how much I loved this area. I reminded her of our dream to sail overnight. Suspense was killing us both. As we waited for Captain Jeff, I let on that we were going on a cruise, but nothing more. For once my wife was speachless! I think I might have even gotten a big smooch.

When Captain Jeff arrived, we made quick introductions. The Captain was aware that this cruise was for Ann, and made it clear to her, that as long as she was on his boat, every day was Saturday. The message to relax and enjoy was delivered! We loaded our luggage in a cart, and Jeff was gracious enough to pull it to the outer dock, where the beautiful 40' S.V. Finally waited for us to come aboard . Captain Jeff introduced us to our sleeping quarters on the lower starbored side of the boat. Awaiting on the bed, was a half dozen yellow roses, that I had arranged with our captain and host. We could have heard a fish burp, as Ann clutched them to her chest. Once settled in, the Captain made us aware of Coast Guard rules and regulations, as he prepared the vessel for voyage. I revealed our itinerary one surprise at a time. 

Once the sails hoisted into the bright blue sky, and the great winds filled it's sails, we cut through the glistening seas like a knife. While coming up to speed, the vessel listed to the starbored side as we headed for the outer harbor. Captain Jeff manuvered his craft with all the confidence I expected. When we came upon another sailboat, our Captain made a few adjustments that seemed to help us pick up speed. While making the final adjustment, Jeff commented; There are two sailboats out here, and only one captain may know they are racing!  Not only was our Captain competent, but he was competitive as well. We were going to get along just fine! 

Relaxing became easier as we headed west for Valcor Island, on the New York side of Lake Champlain. The Adirondack Mountains were in their majestic splendor as we said a temporary goodbye to the Green Mountains of Vermont. Captain Jeff navigated us through the cut. The cut is an opening in an abandoned railroad bed; now turned into a recreational trail. A small bike ferry transports cyclists and foot passengers around the cut, for those who wish to cycle or walk to the Lake Champlain Islands and beyond. Men, women and children stood waiting on each end of the trail for transport. I have to admit that my chest puffed up just a bit, as we passed through the cut. Ann and I enjoy cycleing on the Colchester Causeway. We have stood there admiring the beatiful sailboats that slipped through seeminglessly. Today we were the ones! A dream was coming true right before our eyes. I think Ann was excited as well, as she pulled herself away from her book and took in the sights as we slipped through the narrow way.

Once at Valcor Island, Captain Jeff tossed the anchor, and prepared us lunch. Soaking in the sun hand in hand at the bow of the boat, helped me to put our stuggles in perspective. With my hand in hers, I realized that together we have conquered so much, and that together, with a little help from Above, we will handle anything that life dishes out. I couldn't imagine doing life with anyone else. It was a relatively quiet stay, but we said a lot in our silent adoration and appreciation for one another.

The return voyage was equally beautiful as we said hello to the approaching Green Mountains. The S.V. Finally was in full glide. The vessel sliced through the water as the waves splashed into a beautiful mist. The sound lured us into a nap beneath the radiant sun upon the vessel's bow. Captain Jeff kept a steady course to Malletts Bay, where we would connect to his mooring and swim in the 72 degree water. As evening approached, I revealed to Ann that we would be having company for dinner. Four of our closest friends agreed to come aboard for dinner and fireworks in the harbor. Their names were witheld until they arrived. Captain Jeff  lowered the dingy, and motored to the dock, where he picked up our friends and brought them to us. Ann was so surprised, and could hardly wait for them to come aboard. Once the pleasantry of hugs were done, Ann gave them a quick tour of the boat, as if it was her new home. My heart swelled like the Grinch who stole Christmas. Ann spoke with all the excitement of a kid from Whoville.

The weather was too good to dine below. We gathered at the aft of the boat and fellowshipped as Captain Jeff prepared our meal. In such tight quarters, Jeff brought out the meal one course at a time. Our meal consisted of a garden salad that he prepared in the galley. Then our host joined us at the aft of the boat and roasted asparagus on the grill. The entre of chicken was also cooked over the grill. It was a simply cooked meal. Somehow the camaraderie and the fact that our captain cooked it made this meal especially delicious. We concluded the evening by watching the town's fireworks from the bow of the boat. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. Saying goodbye was both sad and delightful. Captain Jeff directed our guests onto the small dingy with calm persision. We waved goodbye until we couldn't see them any longer. I concluded the night with another swim. The view of the harbor and all its lights from water level was as breath taking as the kiss I received from Ann when I came back aboard. Fireworks!

Our first night on board was comfortable and full of rest. A day at sea, beneath the sun and clouds made going to bed easy. Fireworks didn;t hurt either! The peacefulness of being out on the water, at night, rivals any night we have spent beside a campfire in the wilderness. Morning was equally peaceful as the sun rose above the harbor. We did our morning devotionals at the bow of the boat as our host prepared us breakfast. Ann was anxious to help out, but had to be reminded that it was another Saturday aboard the Sailing Vessel, Finally. All Ann knew about today's itinerary was that we were sailing north, through the Champlain Islands and the Grand Isle Draw Bridge. Our destination was St. Albans Bay where we would have dinner together. Our voyage was full of pleasant skies, but no wind to fill the sails. In the 24 hours since meeting Captain Jeff, we had become well acquainted. It was clear that he was a lover of the wind and sail. We felt bad that there was not enough wind for the Captain to propel us North. Jeff assured us that he was just as content to be on the boat. We were too! Ann spent a majority of our trip at the bow reading and relaxing, while I talked to our Captain and took pictures. 

Going through the draw bridge in Grand Isle, again made my chest puff up. Working for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, I have been trained to operate the draw bridge. I would stand at the window and wave to the captains and their passengers as they passed through. I could only dream of sailing through myself with my beautiful wife on a captained yacht. it seemed all too surreal as I waved to the Bridge Master as we passed through.

As we approached St. Albans Bay, Captain Jeff put the vessel on auto pilot and prepared lunch for us in the galley. Ann kept a watchful eye for boats. We were a bit ahead of schedule, so Captain Jeff tossed the anchor for lunch, and a refreshing swim, just outside the bay.  We tried to dock at the marina, but it was too shallow for us to dock. We anchored outside the harbor instead, and prepared for Ann's surprise dinner. Little did she know it was with her co-workers as well. Somehow being anchored in the bay, and away from the marina, made the experience all the more special. My bride looked lovely as Jeff piloted the dingy to the marina. I couldn't help but notice how wide her smile was as I took her hand, and walked her down the center dock. I hope she felt as special as I did. Ann's co-worker, Charlene had been a part of this scheme from the start. I arranged for her and her husband to pick us up. I knew Ann would be suspicious at this point, so I told her "I couldn't find any other ride, and that it was a coincidence that I learned Charlie and Charlene were going to be in the area". They used the excuse that they were going to celebrtae their daughters birthday just up the road.

Our reservations were with Mill River BBQ. Charlie and Charlene dropped us off, and said have fun, as they drove away. If Ann wasn't supicious, then she certainly was confused. The confusion grew when the host, a former co worker asked if she was with the big party outside? She shook her head no, and I nodded yes. The look on her face was one of shock and confusion as she turned to face me. It was priceless! About this time a co worker came alongside and gave her a hug. Her friends assembled in rapid succession, Including Charlie and Charlene. We all had a good laugh before sitting down to eat. To sit back and listen to the comeradere mingled with the music playing on stage for us. The mutual love and respect that was shared is everything a meaningful retirement party should be. I hated to say goodbye

Charlie and Charlene dropped us off at the marina parking lot. Ann was so excited she couldn't stop talking to Charlene about the evening. I hated to pull her away, but our captain was waiting for us. I walked my bride down the dock as if it was our honeymoon. Captain Jeff was waiting to bring us back to the boat. Once aboard, I could hear Ann talking excitingly about her evening to Captain Jeff. My heart became intoxicated with gladness and joy. I knew that I had accomplished what had I set out to do. "That was it for surprises", I told her. The only thing to do was to sleep it off, and head back in the morning. We spent the evening listening to the waves gently slap the hull as we stretched out below.

We experienced rain overnight, and woke up to morning fog. With coffee in hand, we sat and listened to the bay wake up to the bustle of workers preparing for Bay Day. Staff memebers were making their final preperations for the St. Albans Bay Park. Meanwhile markers were being placed in the water for the kayak/canoe portion of their tri athalon event. Being the only yacht in the bay, "we must look pretty important out here" I imagined to myself. In no hurry to go home what so ever, we decided to stay and cheer on the competitors who rolled into the park on bikes and transfered to their water craft.

Sadly it was time to head back to our mooring, and prepare to face life again. The dark rain clouds seemed to reflect the sadness. With no wind at our sails, the trip home was going to be a quiet time of reflection. Passing through the Grand Isle draw bridge one final time was bitter sweet. I saluted my friend / Bridge Master with a delightful smirk, while Ann sat pretty about the bow. As we approached the cut, dark clouds were crowding in on us as if they were pushing us home. Ahead, however were clear skies. The water took on a new look. Soon Captain Jeff hoisted the sails, and the 40' yacht listed again to the starbored side. Like a dog facing the wind on a summer drive, our hearts began to lift. We were going to sail into the harbor and finish strong!

We knew challenges were not far ahead and that dark skies would probably push us into a new chapter of our lives. Our queit resolve to face it together was strong. But, for now, a dream was realized. We were able to sail the "high seas" and sleep aboard a captained yacht. We had the opportunity to hear the relaxing sounds of waves lul us to sleep. Ann got a chance to rest and get the treatment she deserved. Many years of dreaming came true. Finally!