We reconnected after over 35 years at Tom's birthday party aboard Dolphin, our humble yacht. With the love of family and friends surrounding us, a spark kindled a wondrous attraction for each other that has grown into deep love and mutual respect. When I first saw Tom my heart skipped a beat never knowing that this was the beginning of my forever happiness.

The entire family participated in Tom's surprise proposal! Just prior to enjoying a meal at my first family reunion, Tom asked for everyone's attention and introduced me to everyone...then asked that I take a seat as he went down on his knee and said "Mary there is a question I've been wanting to ask you" followed by the entire family saying "WILL YOU MARRY ME"!

We set our destination for Peanut Island in Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, FL. This was our first shakedown cruise on Dolphin and boy was it an adventure. Spectacular sunrises greeted us each morning and soothing sunsets slowed us down in the evening. Between those times were spent traveling on the Intracoastal, preparing simple gourmet meals, walking on many different terrains, snorkeling, and relaxing. This trip was the beginning of what we now know will be our new lifestyle. Love, respect, honesty, and believing in each other will sustain any relationship in any environment. What is most important is the realization that we both have the greatest love of the water and wanderlust. Another short trip on our honeymoon and we will begin to set our sites on the Great Loop in March of 2019.