Cruising with Blake, Weslie and Zeek

 Dear Frenchie

A few months ago, I asked all the kids (except Haleigh, as she is still not talking to me) if they wanted to go on a cruise together. The only one who replied was Blake, so I began scheduling the cruise with his family.

We got home today, and I want to tell you about it before I forget those special moments we had. Tomorrow I am having surgery with Dr. Lettieri and will be out of it for a few days.

So, when I arrived at the airport Blake was standing with the kids and I asked where Chloe was, he said she could not come. I was so confused, he explained that the investors of the medspa whe works at was coming to town and her boss told her the night before we left. It didn't sound right, I think something else kept her from coming. I'm worried about them. When I was at Anthony's funeral someone mentioned hearing that Blake and Chloe were separated. Of course I said, "That's not true." Still I asked Blake if everything was okay and he said, "yes." I hope he is okay he has such a tender heart and it hurts me to think of him in pain.

We flew to Los Angeles and got a cab to the ship. It was so fun to see Weslie and Zeek explore the ship. Blake is such a good dad, he made sure they went Ice Skating, played soccer and did everything they could to have a great vacation.

We went to an aquarium for the day in Mazatlan, Zeek and Weslie had so much fun getting in and out of the ocean. As I watched them playing together I thought about how fast my children had grown.

The Wizard of Oz

 Dear Frenchie,

Besides our magical first trip to Paris together, Weslie and I just returned from the second most wonderful trip I’ve ever taken. You know how much I’ve always loved The Wizard of Oz—and Somewhere Over the Rainbow. I remember telling you I wanted that song sung at my funeral. You wrinkled your nose and dismissed the idea completely. Now that you’re gone, I suppose I get to make the decisions for my own funeral party.

This time, Weslie and I headed to Las Vegas for the weekend. We stayed at the MGM Grand, and the room was beautiful—comfortable, calm, and just right. On Saturday morning, we went to see The Wizard of Oz at the Sphere. I had no idea what I’d bought when I purchased the tickets, but imagine my surprise when we discovered we had VIP seats. We were escorted into a private lounge with unlimited food and drinks. You would have loved that part—and I would have loved seeing your face when you realized it was all included.

We were given a beautiful poster and $50 to spend at the merchandise shop. Of course, I handed the money straight to Weslie. She chose the softest Wizard of Oz sweatshirt, and I picked one too—There’s No Place Like Home. Something I know you would’ve happily bought for both of us.

Our seats were perfect—front and center, Section 206, with no one in front of us. I’ll admit, it was worth every dime. I know you wouldn’t have spent that kind of money… but if you’d seen what we saw, I think you might have changed your mind.

When the screen opened up, Weslie gasped. The screen wrapped completely around us, alive with movement and color. It was interactive, immersive, and breathtaking. There was never a moment when either of us looked away. Watching Weslie experience it for the first time reminded me of being a little girl, seeing the movie change from black and white to color on our bulky television with rabbit ears—too heavy for the stand it sat on. I remember wondering how color could possibly appear like that. It felt like magic.

When the tornado came. Frenchie, it felt like we were inside it. The wind blew through our hair, leaves flew all around us, and our seats actually moved.  And then Dorothy sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow, I cried—just a little. When the Wicked Witch threw fireballs at the scarcrow big bolts of fire shot towards us. When the monkeys appeared, they flew all around us. It was astonishing—truly the most wonderful show I’ve ever seen.

Weslie loved it so much that she asked me to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" over and over again. She wants to memorize it.

These are the moments you and I were supposed to share with our grandchildren. I promise you—I will continue to prioritize them. I want them to have good memories of me while I’m still here. That’s what life is really about: sharing joy, creating memories, and loving each other well.

Some days are harder than others. Haleigh still won’t speak to me. It’s been a year and a half since I last saw Ellis and Sena. My heart breaks over it. Blake says it’s her pride, but I still don’t understand what I’ve done to cause the distance. All I can do is pray that her heart softens. I don’t want to leave this world knowing she carries regrets—because you and I both know she would.

I miss you every day. Sometimes at night, I sit outside and imagine you looking down at me with that familiar grin. It brings me comfort.

I love you, babe.
Always have. Always will.
Until we meet again—
Good night.

Taxes

 Frenchie, I started gathering all I needed to for our 2023 taxes. I'm sorry, but I never appreciated your hard work, not only for our family but also for filing our taxes. You were right, it SUCKS.

I'm not sure if I'm doing everything right, but the folks at Alt Key have been great about helping me. I am happy to say, tomorrow I will be turning all the tax information over to them.

I will be driving to Carlsbad again on Saturday with Josh and Dulce. We will meet Jori and Dwight at their condo, and then Dwight will drive Josh's car home. Believe it or not, he did not want to go to Disneyland with us. I know that was not your favorite place to go, and it is not the happiest place on earth. Jori wants to go to Sea World again. Eric, you, and I went there in January with them, and I do not want to go but have a hard time saying no to Jori. 

I went to Kara's today. Her daughter Graci is now helping with my hair extensions. The other lady was too out there for me. The last time I went in, she said, "So, you're single, right?" I answered NO. Then she said, "Didn't you recently lose your husband?" I said, "Well, I didn't lose him; he left to be in his next life." She looked at me like I was an idiot. Then said, "You know what I mean. You don't have a husband you are living with, so you are not having sex, right?" Then I told her it was really none of her business. She proceeded to ask if I was Mormon, I told her "Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?" She said, "Well, I have a client who came the other day; she is a divorced Mormon and thinks it's ok to masturbate; can you believe that?"

I had no idea what to say. I just looked at her like she was an alien, which I think she is. Then she said, "The Church is against masturbation. Didn't a bishop ever ask you how many times you did that a week when you were growing up?" I said, "No, I have never been asked that question ..." When I was trying to finish my sentence, she interrupted me and said, "Well, I did, and I was told never to do that and that it's unpure. This lady has been divorced for a while, and she said she masturbates... OMG, so against the church. No matter what your age or marital status. PERIOD." Then she proceeded to ask my take on using a vibrator; I told her I believed everything she was talking about had more to do with the person's personal relationship with God than it does with 'the church.' I have never been asked such questions before. I no longer wanted to participate in this discussion and tuned her out. 

Grace is getting married in December; I can't wait to attend her reception. It should be beautiful. When Kara started cutting my hair 30 years ago, Graci wasn't born. I remember how excited Kara was to be pregnant with a girl, and I told Graci that today. I wished someone could tell our daughters and Blake how I felt about being pregnant with each of them. I loved being pregnant. I never got sick and didn't gain too much weight. With Kayla and Blake, I lost weight, remember? You know that seems like yesterday?

I had lunch with Linda Bennett on Monday. Her oldest son, Kevin, named after his dad, lives less than a mile from us. Geez, I remember when he was born, also. How does time go so quickly?

I need to get to bed, Kaitlyn is coming over tomorrow, and I am excited to see her, so I need to get to bed.

I miss you and love you so much.

Monya

San Carlos Continued

 Dear Frenchie;

I wish you were here; I miss you. I wake up at 5:30 a.m. every morning. Jori and I walk down the beach to the estuary to collect sea shells. I meditate on this little sand hill while Jori searches for 'football' shells. I'm sure that is not their real name, but they look just like a bit of football with the threads—they are so cute.

Weslie and Phoenix would love to be here picking out all of the versatile shells; they differ from those in Rocky Point. There are much more well-formed shells here, and of course, you know I had a bag full. I called to reserve the condo next door to Jori and Dwight for next year. I wish I could get the kids to commit, but you know how that is. It makes me feel bad. They have traditions with the Wright and Bigelow families. I just want to start some of our traditions. I can't trust getting them all condos down here, and then at the last minute, they cancel because something better came up. These condos have to be reserved a year ahead of time.

Today, I sat on the beach thinking about you and did something you would be proud of me for. I went into the water in Mexico and climbed up to my neck. I was scared to death, but I did it. Jori and I kayaked today, which is one thing I have never done before. It was enjoyable.

Dwight, Willie, and Marion were gone all day diving; I went into my bedroom when they talked about it because I knew if you were here, you'd be on that boat, too. It's so hard to see lives moving forward. I wanted that with you. We were supposed to build the cabin and get old together. We got old, but not old enough for me to let you go. I'm struggling with your absence ... can we just have a do-over? LOL. I shouldn't be selfish, wanting you to still be here with me, but I can't help it. You always loved these trips.

Tonight, there was a gorgeous sunset. I took pictures and thought about you. I met a woman who does massages and had one yesterday. She knew nothing about me but knew I was holding a lot of grief, pain, and trauma on my shoulders. She could read my energy and detected many things in my life.

Willie made lobster, salmon, and steaks for dinner, which I know is your kind of meal. It was delicious. I mixed my lobster with garlic mashed potatoes and his buttery sauce. It was good, but too much butter for me.   

I think I might actually gain some weight while I'm here. The last time I saw Doctor Castrol, he did not like how thin I had gotten. I was at 109 pounds, and he said I needed to be at 126 to be considered healthy. It is hard for me to remember to eat or want to eat without you. 

I could feel you tonight at Sunset, so I sat out on a chair and talked to you while I was eaten alive by mosquitos. I sure love you and wish time would go faster. I want to be with you.   

See You Soon

Monya                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                         

Uncle Mike & Auntie Ann

 Dear Frenchie

I love waking up in Montana. The weather is incredible, maybe a little cold for you. In the afternoon, it gets up to 78 degrees. Either way, I know you would love to be here. Today, we are going on a drive to Big Hole Lake.

Uncle Mike and Aunt Ann are so sweet and kind to me. Of course, Uncle Mike still cusses like a trucker, but it's him. I would be disappointed if he acted any different than who he is. Remember last year when we were here, we stayed in that cute VRBO? This year, I stayed at the house they rented until their home is finished from the fire. They only have five months without snow, so they hope the contractors finish before October.

They have many stories about life growing up as a Belshe. Uncle Mike was one of the younger of the nine children; my dad Colby was the oldest boy, and Nana was the oldest. Listening to their stories, I can see why some of my behavior patterns were genetically passed down. By the time Uncle Mike was a teenager, Grandpa Belshe had his stroke, so he and Pamela and Uncle Bill got away with a lot of crap. Uncle Mike thinks Grandma just got tired of raising kids. It's really sad to hear some of his stories.

 Yesterday was beautiful. The sun was out, and I didn't need a jacket. I brought some of the long sleeves you bought me in California with Dwight and Jori, which were perfect. Oh, and you will love this. Uncle Mike has worn the Puerto Penasco hat you bought; he says he wears it daily. It's his favorite. We drove to Butte, where Uncle Mike had a lung scan. We dropped him off and then went to visit Aunt Ann's brother, Hal. As I sat and watched Aunt Ann care for her brother compassionately, she offered to go to the store for him. I thought why in the world would any person not like her. Why? Because she is not LDS? Because she smokes? The Belshe family, including Grandma (who had a mean streak), just don't like her. She is one of the nicest people in this family I have met. When Coldby died, I went to his house to get something of his, anything he had handmade. When Lynn opened the door, she greeted me with this, "Oh, I know who you are, you're the Bitch of the family, your dad told me." I stood shocked, not knowing what to say. I had no idea Uncle Mike and Aunt Ann were standing just behind me ... not a good idea to call Uncle Mike's favorite niece a Bitch. He and Ann were so mad. Uncle Mike said, "Don't you talk to her like that, and my brother never said she was a Bitch; he loved her." then they pushed through the door, took her to another room, and told me to get whatever I wanted. While I was trying to find artwork or some of his leather work, I could hear Lynn getting her share of the mean streak Mike and Ann had for her. Colby was never married to her. In fact, she was still married to another man but just living with Colby. I grabbed a few things for my children to have. Even though they never really knew him as a grandfather, I still wanted some of his things. I'm glad I did because as I get older, I believe my dad loved me but didn't know how to show it; he didn't know how to be a dad, let alone a grandfather. He spent most of my childhood running from the law or in Prison. My heart hurts for him; he made it hard to love him. I was not allowed to know where he was in my youth and teen years. 

I'm not sure why the Belshe family is so judgmental of people. None of them live perfect lives. But I see now where Kris and Sonya got it from. Living and loving you was my best decision; I know my dad would have loved the man I married. I'd give anything for my dad to be alive and see how you and I have made a beautiful family together for forty-six years. We weren't perfect, but holy cow, we did not raise our children to Hate anyone. I have the greatest heritage, and this family is not what a family should be. If it wasn't for Uncle Mike visiting me as a child and texting me every day just to say, "I'm alive." He even came to your funeral ... I love him and know I don't have many years left with him; he's 77, and his heart is like yours. Since I don't know how it works where you are, I always wonder if you've been able to talk to Colby. If you do, please tell him all the talks you and I have had about him. I wished I'd had someone to call daddy, and it wasn't Gary. Tell him I love him and hug him for me. He really was a good man who made some bad decisions.

Uncle Mike and Aunt Ann took me on a spectacular ride today. Oh, Eric, you would have loved it. The forest was a beautiful green. They've cleaned up some of the dying trees from the beetles and huge piles of timber. It's so sad. I hate when the forest catches fire, or these beetles eat down these 100-year-old trees. By the time they grow back to this size again, it will be in another 100 years. I love being with Uncle Mike and Auntie Ann.

Love Monya

Maui Day Four

Today, Frenchie got up early. He wanted to see the sunrise, and he was excited that Jori was awake and wanted to go with him. Then he started helping make breakfast. Dwight was next up and helped finish the breakfast. I had a protein drink. We all put on our swimsuits and went on another adventure.

Today we went whale watching, boy there were a lot of whales Eric was in Heaven. 

We had so much fun that it felt like we were on our honeymoon—actually, it felt better than that. Eric and I are so happy right now. I'm grateful for him. Eric works so hard and has always provided for his family. Family means everything to him, I have encouraged him to have good connections with each of his children. It makes me really sad that the perception they have about my mothering is completely different than my perspective. I don't remember ever having problems we couldn't fix while I raised them. Eric keeps telling me not to worry; he will reunite the family. I have my doubts those girls are really, really angry with me. But for now, it's just me and Frenchie. This past year has been hard, but he and I are moving forward with or without the girls in my life. We are getting older and want to spend the rest of our time together having fun.

Monya

Maui Day 2

 Oh boy, today was a good day in Hawaii; well, really, when is it not a good day in Hawaii?

We went to the beach, ate at a food truck, and laughed with Jori and Dwight. They are the best friends, and we have had so much fun spending time with them.

Having one-on-one time with Eric has been so fun; he's so happy. He kept saying how beautiful Maui was and wanted to look at real estate for a small home. The man loves real estate and the beach. His mom served her mission in Hawaii, and we talked a bit about her. We both miss her; Eric is very private and does not talk about her too much except with me. He loved her dearly, and seeing where she served made him feel closer to her. I love seeing him so happy. He enjoys life and never takes for granted every breath of life. Today was a good day!!!

MAUI Here We Come Day 1

 This morning we boarded a Southwest plane with Dwight and Jori Udall, friends we have loved for more than forty years. Yes, Southwest Airlines. Eric and I have not flown on any other airline than American Airlines in 19 years, but we wanted to be on the same flight as the Udall's. So much for a non-stop, the pilot announced we needed to land in LAX to get fuel.... WHAT?

When we arrived at the airport Frenchie got a wheelchair for me and told them I needed to pre-board. I was perfectly fine to walk, I asked him why he did that and he said, "I forgot to check in and this is the only way we can pick a seat with Jori and Dwight." Okay, I was down for a little sneaky sneaky!!

Frenchie was so excited to use his new iPad to watch movies on. Problem is he didn't sync it to his phone and could not do it on the airplane. I looked over at him and he was watching Barbie on his phone, I laughed and asked why would he want to watch that movie, it's just not him. He said, "Haleigh told me it was really good, and I like it." Okay then, have fun I thought.

When we arrived to Maui Frenchie was so excited for our first stop to be at COSTCO. He is a COSTCO junkie, SAMS is a close second. I loved watching him, he was like a child in a candy store. He found not one but three swimsuits, but still didn't want to pay full price. I reminded him that he has lost so much weight none of his other suits would fit him. He has worked so hard to be healthy and he has lost over 130 pounds. He was so proud of himself and I was proud of him too, the man loves food. Since his heart attack he has been eating clean with me. I showed him instead of looking at what he couldn't eat he should be looking at all the wonderful things he could eat. It's been a journey and we deserve this vacation.

The resort we stayed at was absolutely beautiful, Jori and Dwight have a time share in Maui. We told them we would love to come with them anytime they need companions. We were exhausted that first night. So off to our room we knelt and said our prayers holding hands, then fell asleep.

Happy Birthday CJ, today we celebrate you!!

Packing for Hawaii

 Frenchie and I are going to Maui with Jori and Dwight tomorrow. We are so excited. It has been a long time since we last went on a trip like this. I have to make this short because I need to sleep.

As we were busily packing tonight, Frenchie said, "Why are we rushing? Get over here and dance with me. He put on a song we both love called IF by Bread. I thought it was so sweet of him to do that. I love him so much; his heart attack has helped us remember we only have this moment right now to love and share what time we have left together.

Eric wants me to retire by next January. He said we would retire together. It shocked me. I never thought he would stop working, but I think he wants to spend as much time together as we can. He always tells me every day how much he loves me and how grateful he is to have me as his best friend. I believe I have the best husband and best friend I could ask for.

Okay, I'm off to bed, ready to see what adventures Frenchie and I will discover in Maui. More memories to make-I just love him so much.

Cruise from Quebec

Eric and I left on a Fall Leaves Cruise on October 9th. When we arrived at our hotel in Quebec and turned on the television, we were saddened to see Israel was attacked by Hamas, a terrorist group within Quebec. In Canada, they do not censor their news, and I was sickened. 

We watched babies' heads being chopped off and women being raped; I saw a mom wrapped up with her child alive in barbwire and then lit on fire. Hamas is in Satan's world. This was a surprise attack, and Israel is beyond angry. They are ready to get their revenge, not that I believe in turning the other cheek, but what is wrong with our world? This is not the world I grew up in.

Growing up, we were never afraid of playing in the streets with the neighbors at night. We played kick the can, hide and seek, and other innocent games every summer. Right now, the United States is hesitantly supporting Israel. Our President Biden has yet to make a statement other than one expressing support from the United States. This attack was not an attack from another country. It is a terrorist group within Israel. There is nothing militant about this; it was a slaughter I cannot unsee. I guess we will wait and see over the next month what is going to happen, but you don't mess with Israel. They want revenge. Hamas is holding hostages, and some of them are Americans. Israel has announced anyone living near Gaza needs to get out because they are going to get to Hamas. 

Our vacation started hearing this awful news, but we had a wonderful time.  

The best Lobster Rolls ever, oh, and clam chowder

Awesome restaurant

Eric and I have never been to Nova Scotia

and we loved it.

We love all the Lighthouses

we saw along the way.

I just love him so much.

Maine

 

The best husband ever

We needed help choosing where to eat.

We had a perfect time on the cruise through Quebec, Nova Scotia, Portland, Maine, and Boston. Being with Frenchie on vacation makes me so happy; we laugh and enjoy our time together. 

XOXO Monya 

Bucket Lists--Are They Overrated?

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013

Bucket lists--are they Overrated?

So, I was reading back on some of the posts I wrote about making a bucket list, and I came across this one, written in July of 2010. I wrote in one of the lines that the list may change...I was correct...
***********************************************************************************
 This was written in July of 2010
I was going to call it a bucket list, but I was thinking' that makes it sound like I think I might die soon, and I don't. So, it is going to just be my 'TO DO" LIST.... things I would like to do before I die .... someday, they are in no particular order, and I realize over the years it may change, but for today in 2010 this is it:

1. Go to Paris with Eric .... This has been a lifelong dream he took the girls a few years ago (daddy-daughter trip) Done ✔
2. Take my entire family to Nauvoo and back to the sacred grove
3. Serve a mission
4. Visit Savannah, Georgia and eat at Paula Deans restaurant Done ✔
5. Run a Marathon
6. Give more than I have been given (not sure if this is even possible)
7. Write a book (another lifelong dream) Done ✔
8. Learn to play tennis (I don't even know the rules)
9. Learn to use my camera on manual
10. Attend the Olympics (anywhere)
11. Visit Tahti...Bora Bora  Done ✔

********************************************************************************

The checks next to each thing mean we or I have done it since writing this list.  It is September 2013, and my perspective is completely different than it was back then.  I have come to realize to-do lists and bucket lists are fun and interesting to talk about and do but are most certainly not the most important in my life. None of us know what our Heavenly Father has in store for us.  For me, and this is just my opinion for my life and the experiences I have been through--the very most important things are not necessarily things. They are the people in my life and how I spend my time with them, how I serve, and if by chance I get the opportunities to travel, I should use each moment to enjoy my life and share my knowledge (which really is not much) serve those in need when I can.  I really don't think when I die and get to wherever I am going, the Lord is going to say to me, "well done Miss Monya, let's look at your bucket list and see what you got done" I believe the conversation will be more like 

"Sister Monya, have you fulfilled all of your callings to the best of your ability, have you listened to the spirit and served others? Did you care for the sick and the needy? Did you love and serve your family? Did you forgive those who have offended you? Did you say sorry to those who you have offended? Did you take every opportunity to share the gospel with others? Have you kept all the covenants you made with me in the Temple? How did you treat and love your husband? 
Don't get me wrong, I still would like to run a marathon--chances are--I won't--but it won't keep me from Heaven--my book is this blog--I don't have the time to learn how to use a camera on manual and don't really know if I care anymore--tennis is fun, again won't keep me from heaven. Olympics? really? love to do that, but chances are it's a dream--and won't keep me from Heaven--Bora Bora--been there--still not going to heaven because of it.
So, I think do lists are good? YES, a bucket list is interesting and fun, YES but not necessary--the most magical trip I ever took was the one I went to Paris with Eric on. Nothing will ever beat that--it was all I expected and more--my heart was in a good place at that time. I needed that trip to help me believe in life again--NOW, my priorities and lists are much different.
And just so you know, if I did not work for USAirways, we would not be able to make any of these trips we have done. We fly for free and get a tremendous discount on cruises and hotels--I do not take any of those blessings in my life for granted, and I am grateful for all those memories I have created for my children--but sometimes, "things" just don't matter anymore, salvation and being a good person is what I want to attain. 

Day 14 Taha's and Day 15 Moorea

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2013

Day 14 Taha'a and Day 15 Moorea

Wednesday Day fourteen I woke up not feeling well, ate truly little breakfast again.  We all took the first ferry boat to the Island of TAHA"A.  We toured the entire Island took many memorable pictures--my stomach and head were aching, but I really didn't want to complain they were all having so much fun and after all this is a once in a lifetime journey for me, I want to enjoy it as much as I can.
Taha's was once the center for fire walking ceremonies, but today they are rare.

 

We didn't have a lot of time on this Island, these local Police officers

assisted us in finding a driver to take us up the mountain

some of the local scenery

the black pearl farm

this woman seriously impressed me, she chops coconuts all day

150 chopped coconuts are in this bag ready to go to the local industries for processing

this is the Island where Tahitian Vanilla is grown

They bud into a flower,then the pod appears the smell is heavenly

Our drivers home

There are three of these buildings in a row,
it is where our driver and his extended family have dinner

This is typical Eric--he loves the local imagery

Jesus, loved the coconut milk

Anthony, a quiet gentle man

Conchi and Maria, beautiful women

Our driver stopped by a local market where we could
pick up a cold drink and Eric came back with this beauty to share

Our group and the driver saying goodbye

The Paul Gauguin Private Moto was beautiful

I think I could sit here all day too

This was a motu filled with tropical spaces,
the cruise served us a traditional Polynesian lunch

A view from the motu to the Paul Gauguin

I went to the motu with our group, but seriously took a couple of pictures, turned around and went back to the ship on the next tender.  Eric stayed and really enjoyed the time on that private Island, I wish I could have spent more time there, but I was just not feeling well. We went back and slept until Eric got back at 5 or 6 and we got ready for dinner. I asked Eric if we could get off the ship tomorrow and go home--I know it is a couple of days early, but I just really want to go home, I miss my children and grand-kids too much.  This is too long to be away. He said "yes", but he had one more excursion he wanted to do on Moorea with the rest of our group.
Day 15 Moorea--My favorite Island of all of them--I stayed on the ship while Eric took the rest of them on a 4x4 ride up the mountain to the fruit farm and some other amazing areas we had not explored in the first five days we stayed there on the Island.  

I packed both my bag and Eric's bag, prepared with the crew to disembark when Eric arrived back. I didn't really get to say goodbye to Maria, Antonio, Jesus and Conchi--Eric and I were able to get off the ship safely to the peer, took the next ferry boat to Papeete, and made it on the next flight to LAX and then home.... Finally, home sweet home--I could not wait to see my kids & grandkids and share our experiences with them.