Finally, I got out on my boat today for a while. This is the first time since December, which means it was also the first time post-surgery and after losing almost 75 pounds. I have a 22′ power catamaran which is not teeny but not huge. It’s just the right size for me to handle and do the things that I like to do.
It is so much easier doing them now that I’ve lost weight! I even fit on the seat behind the wheel more comfortably, which is a good thing when I’m steering. 🙂 I was also ever so much more agile and well balanced just getting on and off her, or walking around on the deck. It was wonderful and provided a solid boost to my confidence. I also realized that I can wear my life vest properly and still breathe. Bonus! (I’ll admit that I don’t wear it if someone else is on the boat with me, but if I’m going out alone, I want to have it on and be as safe as possible.
Boating brings me joy. Being out on the water, cruising along, brightens my heart and fills my spirit with a lightness of being. Whether I’m going fishing, to the sandbar to meet up with friends, or just taking a ride over turquoise water, I love this activity.
Last summer, one of the things that cemented my decision to have weight loss surgery was a big realization. I was out at the sandbar in deeper water and I could not haul myself up out of the water on my boat ladder. I actually had to let out more anchor line and back the boat up to shallower water. That was a huge upset. I also love to snorkel and the Florida Keys has a beautiful, colorful, living reef. One of the things that I really want to do is take friends out to great snorkel spots. I realized that day that if I did so, I wouldn’t be able to snorkel myself because I wouldn’t be able to get back on the boat.
Unacceptable! It was one more solid reason why pursuing surgery was the right choice.
Things are going to be so different this summer. I haven’t tried to climb back onto my boat from deep water yet, but I’m confident that before the summer ends, I’ll be able to do it without a problem. I can’t wait!
Adding to my glee today, we saw dolphins when we were on the way back to the harbor. We stopped the boat and watched the group play and forage. I shot some photos.
Such bliss!
Weighty Matters 
Outstanding progress! And the pictures are gorgeous.
Julie
That’s wonderful, Mary. Beautiful dolphin pics. Glad you have this life-affirming activity available to get you through a sad time.
There is something so incredibly therapeutic and soothing about being out on water. I’m longing to it to be warm enough for me to go kayaking again.
Love the dolphin pictures! It’s so hard to get them. Every time I try I just get a splash as the camera click always comes a second too late.
oh, that’s so beautiful. Thanks for sharing, and yay you! for being more agile on the boat.