April 2011, Jamaica
For the past 100 days my beautiful sister Roxanne spent time with us in our home, San San. She recently graduated college at New Jersey’s Rowan University studying Pscychology earning her Bachelor’s Degree. Rox is the type that has done everything by the book; aced her entire Elementary, Junior and Senior High schools earning a full scholarship. She has held a full time job for at least all of her college career while maintaining a blossoming social life. She works hard and she plays hard. I knew that this experience would allow her time to grow in a way that would benefit her in the future. Roxanne had a semester off in between the graduation ceremony from January to May. She devoted herself to saving money by working at a local bar turning it from the over 70 crowds to the young hot spot in order to pay her way through the Bahamas and to points unknown. On Jan 4th she boarded a train in Philadelphia, PA and said goodbye to her world in order to say hello to ours.
Like many new boaters Roxanne experienced a bit of nausea after the first couple of night’s sleeping below decks in her new quarters. There were a couple of times when I would look at her across the table of whatever restaurant we were dining at that night and see her eyes swirling. She furiously texted her friends in the final moments before we left the Verizon coverage area and headed towards Batelco towers. We laughed until we cried in the parking lot of a Publix grocery store as we tried to haul 100’s of pounds of cat food, cat litter, canned goods, fresh produce and first aid goodies for miles through the streets of Miami. She learned how to plan a 90 day meal plan, San San style. Her awe of the unknown world of cruising inspired us.
Once we set sail, she held her breakfast and her lunch. I was amazed that she hadn’t gotten seasick, as I get sick and I have been doing this for the past 5 years. She listened intently to our instructions, she washed the dishes and she fell head over heels in love with the natural beauty surrounding her. To help pass the time she sketched fantastic little drawings, hand crafted shell necklaces using hemp cord and cooper and steel wire turning regularity into extraordinary. We swam, cooked, showered in natural fresh water wells on uninhabited islands, hiked, hunted, fished, read, played and enjoyed bonfires together for 3 months while living in about 300 square foot of living space. One might think we’d kill each other but we didn’t.
Broccoli Alfredo!
There was nothing but love and learning shared between us. We have had crew aboard before and I was leery only a few days before she was scheduled to come. “What if she doesn’t like sailing? What if she gets sick? What if she runs out of spending money? What if I can’t stand how messy she is? What if she gets hurt? What if she…” these questions swarmed my mind.
I never really doubted her. I knew just like every other aspect of her life she would shine like a star. I am so thankful to have had this experience with her. I am so proud that she is my sister. I love her and would have her back in a New Jersey minute!
I cried reading this. You have experienced something so darned special and it will stay within you forever. I am so glad for you. And the life, the adventure and work it takes to relax! What a life my friend. But mostly, to have such a bond with your sister and to do that with her, in our whole lives we rarely get that kind of intimate time with our siblings and you have experienced it not for a day but for 100 days, you are blessed and she too, for having a sister like you.
Love,
Dee
Comment by Deanna Greenwood — April 19, 2011 @ 4:37 am
Thanks for those words Deanna. You have just added to the sentiment I was trying to convey!
Comment by sansan — April 19, 2011 @ 4:46 am
Beautifully written from the heart. For those of us that are fortunate enough to have sisters, we are lucky to have our best friends with us for life. We fight, we argue, we cry, we laugh and we make up. What a beautiful thing! And how lucky for both of you to have spend this wonderful time together. Peace.
Comment by Ellen on Bella — April 19, 2011 @ 4:53 am
Jes, you have such a powerful way with words! I’m not sure I can express how grateful I am to you for encouraging me in the months leading up to the trip, and for your warm welcome and guidance along every step. The knowledge, skills, and memories I aquired while cruising are only topped by the time we were blessed to have together laughing, crying, learning, and letting loose. I love you.
Comment by Roxanne — April 19, 2011 @ 6:06 am
i loved your story. Its great that your sister got the chance to come and live the lifestyle, so few get the chance to experience it. Now she will remember this for the rest of her life and you will too. It’s great that you did this for her. My mom is going to come visit, and I hope she gets just alittle of what your sister did. Miss you, Lori
Comment by lori jones — April 19, 2011 @ 11:18 pm
Very touching…..
Comment by Arline Libby — April 20, 2011 @ 6:58 am
Beautifully written. Feel blessed to have met you guys. I’m back in Port Antonio fir the Easter weekend if you guys are still around. If not then no worries and enjoy the rest of your adventures!
Comment by Addy — April 21, 2011 @ 4:08 pm
We were so pleased to have met Roxanne!! She is such a pleasure to be around! What a great 100 days I’m sure you all had. Glad we were included in a few of those. Hugs
Comment by Sandra — April 27, 2011 @ 10:21 am