During our visit to Kauai for our 50th wedding anniversary, we had one more boat journey to face. This time, it was on a smaller boat on a river, intended to be a leisurely trip with music, dance, and local culture. The river was narrow, the speed slow, and the experience relatively relaxing, as long as the water remained cooperative.

In 2023, we returned to Kauai, staying in a resort opposite a beach with plenty of shopping options. We even moved to another resort for a change of pace. Sightseeing in Hawaii always brings immense joy, but that joy was tested on the day we embarked on a catamaran journey. This trip involved snorkeling and visiting the Na Pali Coast, a scenic wonder.

From the previous evening, I was anxious. Initially, the boat tour organizers were hesitant to allow my wife and me due to mobility concerns, but once our disabilities were clarified, we were permitted. We were warned that, due to shallow waters, the boat would be anchored a little way out, requiring us to wade through water for a few meters. The thought of wading was daunting, and I felt apprehensive.

The next morning, we had to wade through chest-high water for nearly ten minutes before climbing slippery steps to board the catamaran. Soaked and uneasy, we settled in, uncertain of what lay ahead. I had taken motion sickness medication, and when the boat picked up speed, surprisingly, I wasn’t scared. Despite the rough conditions—up and down, pitching, and thudding—I felt surprisingly calm.

Traveling with my younger son and his family, my daughter-in-law checked on me repeatedly, concerned about sea sickness. My son gave her a reassuring look, silently telling her to let me be.

To my astonishment, I even ventured to the sides of the boat, holding onto the railings, and enjoyed the ride. The coastline was breathtaking, and Na Pali was the pinnacle of the journey. My son and family went snorkeling in open waters, while our youngest grandchild, looking effortlessly casual, joined in as if it was a routine activity.

Returning was challenging, as the boat was anchored even further out. Wading back through the water was tougher, but I had become accustomed to it. The adventure had turned into one of the best trips I’ve ever experienced. I felt at peace with water, having made amends with the fears of my past.

Goodbye, astrologer. Your predictions are long forgotten. I’ve made my peace and found joy in the journey.

Continued in 146. Image Catcher on the Prowl