On September 11, Iva
and Bill headed to Maryland since her Dad had fatally fallen from his
horse and broken his neck. While a total shock, all those who know him
are glad he went out "with his boots on." It is just how he (and most of
us) would choose to go, if given an option. While seemingly too soon,
all Gillets are glad that he was able to live and die doing what his
heart pulled him to do. Meredith flew back as soon as a required class
visit to NATO and the EU was completed and joined Paul, Embry, Kerry and
Dustin with us in Maryland. Mom planned an informal celebration of life
at the farm, with about 300 attending. Thanks to all of you who have
showered us with your positive thoughts and support. While home, Iva and
Bill were able to make a quick trip to Charlottesville to check in
before returning for more logistics and Uncle Charles' 90th birthday
before returning to meet the ship in Dublin. Meredith had to fly out
earlier for another required class meeting in Ireland.
While we are in transit to a port now, we did have a lifeboat drill the day
after we left Dublin, which is a requirement every month we are at sea.
We were fortunate enough to see dolphins near the ship during our
mandatory standing quiet time after role call. While we have to be
silent, there were sounds of Ohhhhhhh and Ahhhhhh at sighting the
dolphins followed by SHHHHHHHHH! Word from the bridge was that there
were close to 200 of the mammals following the boat at this time. Very
NICE!
Our next stop will be Lisbon, Portugal, Cadiz, Spain, and Casablanca, Morocco- all in the next 10 days!
Right after Iva had gotten the news about her father a complete rainbow appeared over the ship.
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