A Great Honor

April 23rd 2025

“The pre-dawn crossing, to get Greg to work, left Brandy a little weary but determined. Dinghy hoisted, she was ready to tackle the boat chores. ‘Ugh!’ The tap sputtered, then sighed. No water. A double-check confirmed the unbelievable: both tanks bone dry. ‘Well,’ she muttered, ‘time to work some water-making magic.’

But the boat had other plans. The generator, usually a reliable workhorse, coughed and sputtered, threatening a full-on mechanical tantrum. A little TLC and some gentle coaxing revealed the issue – apparently, they’d been a tad too demanding. The generator hummed back to life.

Later, as Greg returned, a small package arrived, sent with love from Evie. Inside lay a flag, not just any flag, but one that held a universe of memories. It had flown proudly on the Melanie Joy, the family boat, belonging to Greg’s sister Stacey, whose bright spirit had earned her the cherished nickname ‘Bright Eyes.’ Now, this very flag was being passed on to Brandy, a symbol to fly on their own Chasing Destiny.

A wave of emotion washed over them. Knowing that a piece of Stacey, her vibrant memory, would sail with them, brought a profound sense of peace and connection. With gentle hands, they raised Stacey’s flag, now Brandy’s flag, into the warm Florida breeze. A silent thank you, a heartfelt tribute to a beloved sister, soared with it. ‘Thank you, Evie,’ Brandy whispered, her heart full. ‘It’s an honor.’ ❤️”