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This and That: Sharing your passion — always worth it
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I couldn’t have been more blown away by a couple’s desire to fulfill a dream, and share a passion than last Thursday at my Kiwanis Club meeting.
A bunch of enquiring Kiwanians, including myself, sat with our mouths open and our imaginations flowing as our guest speaker stood up, took the mic and said, “Hi! I’m Dennis and I have sailed around the world.”
Needless to say, he had my attention lock, stock and barrel. He stood in front of a world map on a poster board that had a path marked on it — all twisty and curvy — and seemed to dip into every known and unknown costal or island port.
In his other hand he held a pen light pointer and aimed it straight at the United States in the state of Pennsylvania. This is where his story began when he and his wife — both practicing law, living the good life with a beautiful home, a private airplane, a condo on Marco and a few other well-earned luxuries.
It was at the height of their law careers that they decided to pursue their passion for the sea and the thrill of discovery. Here is the gutsy part, Dennis and his wife made the decision to liquidate everything they possessed — and I mean everything!
My first thought was, “I don’t think I would have been able to sell what I worked so hard for.”
As he continued on with how they prepared for the voyage, my next thought was, “Well, hell, why not?”
They did not have children and a house is, after all, only a house. These things can be replaced, careers can be resumed. It’s a bold, brave move and not too many couples would be able to make the leap.
Dennis went on to relate the first part of the adventure, which was learning how to improve on their already acquired navigational skills — this seemed to take the first year. Once they felt they had it down it was onto deeper waters, exotic ports and ocean crossings that I have only read or dreamed about.
It was truly amazing how he navigated his audience through an eleven year journey where he was able to name every stop over and how long they stayed at each destination, as if it was yesterday.
There were no set of notes in his hand, not a single index card to look at or refer to. I listened as he talked about negotiating with tribal kings, bartering with villages, fighting off pirates, learning customs that allowed you access and survival, studying up on different languages, and making friends with fellow adventures that radioed tips and good advice on where to set anchor and what they needed to know for a pleasant stay.
It was all fascinating and Dennis just scratched the surface with having less than thirty minutes to tell the tale of a magnificent journey.
I had lots of questions starting with, “What made you settle on Marco after seeing the world?” What a compliment to know this tiny piece of paradise was one of the most beautiful places in the world they have seen!
The other question I wasn’t bold enough to ask was, “how much did this venture cost?” Not only did they sail, in some places they nestled for six months at a time taking in all the sights and sounds of the country! I don’t even think Monty Hall from “Let’s Make A Deal” could put a number figure for what’s behind curtain number one!
One fellow Kiwanis member commented on the speaker. He thought the voyage was a little overindulgent and felt those years could have been put to better use. I didn’t agree. Upon their return and decision to make another five year trip, Dennis’ wife got diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. His first mate and love of his life is currently residing in a nursing care facility. My last thought before he stepped down was how fortunate they were to see the world and live and love each single day of those eleven years! If they would have done the norm as in “work the average retirement age” he would have missed the best years of his life with his one true love at his side.
I found the thought to be poetic and romantic at the same time. He is a lucky man and that, ladies and gentlemen, is passion that you can be grateful for the rest of your life!
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Gina Sisbarro-Blassneck resides on Marco Island and is the Senior Program Director at the Marco Island YMCA. Her passion is anything to do with kids; especially the teens. She enjoys directing theater and writing. She looks forward to publishing her first adult novel hopefully in print by the holidays. She has two teenagers Wesley and Brianna “Booey” which gives her the greatest joy in life!
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