Annapolis, Family and Health Update
We have been in Annapolis for close to 6 weeks now, a lot longer than anticipated. Our initial plans were to arrive a few days before the sailboat show, attend the show, visit with friends and get a few jobs completed on Saltair.
Unfortunately, this fun anticipated time was replaced with a lot of stress and sadness as my father, Jean Michel passed away unexpectedly on October 20th. For those who knew him, he was an exceptionally creative and loving man. He was an amazing father, husband, father-in-law and grandfather. My step-mother Emmanuelle, my brother Jean Matthieu, my sister Eleonore, our families and I are devastated and struggling to come to grips with the loss he leaves in our lives.
He was diagnosed with an aggressive non Hodgkins lymphoma in July. I am grateful to have been able to go to France a few times this summer to help support him and be at his side. When you do not have a home marina and are a transient cruiser, leaving the boat can be challenging but Adam made sure that I was able to travel and spend the time needed to be with my dad. Seth stepped up to the plate and quickly mastered my normal tasks during anchoring and docking making it possible for me to be away. I also had amazing support from close friends.
In the midst of supporting my father, I was also struggling with health concerns and had to figure out how to get care while traveling. After initial tests in Mount Desert Island and further tests and procedures in NYC, I flew to California for surgery and ultimately received a Stage 1 cancer diagnosis. I am happy to report that I have no further treatments and am clear to continue our sailing adventure.
I am still recovering physically (and emotionally) but as we prepare Saltair to sail south to the Carribean and onward to the Pacific with the World Arc 2025, we are excited for the places and experiences ahead. We look forward to sharing more upbeat updates in the future.
The challenges of the past two months have interrupted our regular blogging. We'll be posting a series of blogs shortly catching up to where we are today.
Not hearing from you was concerning, and I’m saddened to hear it was, indeed, because of difficult times! Know that you have a (perhaps silent) web of support and love out here! ❤️❤️❤️
Very sorry for your loss. Condolences to the family.
Those are beautiful photos of your father, thank you for sharing. It seems as if you have been drinking from a fire hose of issues since we met last year in Ellös. I hope “life” settles down and that you continue to get physically stronger each day. You are mentally quite tough, as most of our fellow sailing women are. Seth is an awesome kid , and I’m not surprised he has stepped up to help such a wonderful mom. Please continue to reach out, as I will too. I value your friendship. -Marj
Dear Guillemette, I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this incredibly difficult time. I wish you strength and comfort as you navigate through this period of grief, and I hope that you find peace and healing in the coming days. I also wish you all the best for your upcoming journey. I look forward to hearing from you when the time feels right for you. Warmest regards, Felix
I really see the resemblance between Seth and your dad ❤️ So sorry to hear all that you have been going through. Reach out anytime if you want to talk cancer stuff :/ Here’s to fair winds and smooth sailing ahead.
Our deepest condolences to our dear neighbors. Lots of good thoughts going your way, we miss you.
Nous sommes attristés par vos dernières nouvelles, et par la soudaine disparition de votre papa, après celle du père d’Adam quelques mois plutôt .Vos soucis de santé j’espère seront résolus par ce traitement californien🙏🙏🙏🤞.Nous vous adressons nos sincères condoléances et nos meilleurs souhaits for the World arc 2025 ,la poursuite de votre incroyable aventure et une remise à niveau rapide ,physique et mentale .Félicitations à Seth the sailor. Lots of Aloha
Guillemette, I am very sorry to learn about your father and your recent health challenges. Your family are in my thoughts for peace, strength and the very best. I hope you have fair winds as your amazing journey continues.
Guillemette, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and the added stress of your cancer diagnosis. That's a lot to deal with, but you are a strong one. Very glad your health issue seems to be resolved, and you and your wonderful family are so resilient. We wish you comfort and safe, happy sailing. Ann and Paul
Oh, Guillemette, I was very sorry to hear about your father...and about your condition. Hopefully the doctors did get it all and you will be fine. There's never a dull moment in life. Please take care and stay safe ...give my love to Adam and Seth. We will be on a cruise in the Caribbean Dec. 17-27...let me know if that's when you will be there and perhaps we could meet. I love you all...Joan Flynn
Mes condoléances Guillemette, je suis triste d'apprendre cette nouvelle et je pense bien a toi. Je t'envoie aussi tous mes vœux de convalescence et de bonne santé suite à ton traitement. Je vous envoie à tous les 3 pleins de bonnes pensées!
Dear Guillemette; I am sorry to hear about your father's passing. You are very fortunate to have had him in your life, for as long as you did. I am sure he must have been very proud of this journey you are on. My heart goes out to you with all your have endured these past months. Hoping the rest is "smooth sailing". Elise
Guillemette, I so enjoyed our walk when you visited SF a few weeks ago. I'm so sorry that you've been going through everything with the loss of your father and the health issues. You are indeed a strong lady, and my thoughts will be with you and your family. Wishes for smooth sailing, Stan
So sorry to hear about your farther’s passing. My heart goes out to you. And I’m surprised to hear of your own episode with cancer, I hope this will be in your past, and you are feeling better. Best Sari
I am so sorry for all that you have had to go through and Guillemette especially so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I am so glad that i was able to see Adam and Seth. I hope you are also feeling well since your surgery. Have a wonderful rest of your trip and please stay in touch. Love Fran
Guillemette, Adam and Seth, I’m just catching up on your travels after a longish trip to Europe for work. I’m so sorry for your loss - losing a dad and a granddad is so hard, especially when it is unexpected. I’m glad Guillemette was able to be with him during the summer. I’m very glad G is doing better and cleared to travel and hopefully back with you again shortly! I’m thinking of you and your family. Enjoy Antigua!! Xox Melinda