The highest of highs and lowest of lows - You guessed it! Fort Lauderdale

 HUGE sigh of relief...something apparently I do often without any realization that I am actually going through the motions.  Whether it be a huff or sigh....I can feel the moment my body gives in to releasing whatever stress that seems to be trying to weazle its way into my soul.

Last night earned its place in one of the lowest of lows in this adventure.  Coming in second place to Christmas eve (when we actually had to abandon the boat and seek shelter) 

Nestled in an anchorage in Fort Lauderale, last night we watched as the winds continued to grow, tossing us and our boat around like we were mere pebbles of sand. 

As the winds changed so did the security of the boats that surrounded us.   Our heart going out to a single manned sail boat. Watching as the man tried to manually drop anchor a mere boats length from ours! 

Holding our breath we hoped; I'm sure just as hard as he did, that his anchor held and he wouldn't be sent smashing into us! 

With the image of him driving full speed towards the center of our boat, with him on the front grabbing his anchor and no one at the wheel. He had JUST managed to rush back with a mere 10 ft to spare. 

Cranking his wheel he managed to make his turn, as we sat perched and helpless.  All we could do was chose our place wisely on our own boat just in case the impact came. 

Before he could even settle his anchor another larger sail boat made its move. 

Driving quickly through the packed anchorage, we still are are in awe of the luck they had, as they dodged boats time and time again for what seemed like an eternity but in truth was a MERE hour and a half or more! 

Too say the very least...it was a night jammed to the rim with emotions! And one of the only nights I plucked our passports from storage and zipped them into the jacket I wore. Prepared for that just in case moment...

As the moon stepped back, and the sun rose we sat in awe of the night we stashed away into memories for another day. 

Exhausted and waiting for the wind to subside we looked out and tried to recall all of the beautiful days this journey had brought so far. Our hearts with those that had an even worse night than our own. 

When finally the sun truly breached the clouds, cascading warmth upon us a whole day later; a rush of tears tettered to fall. 

A true sense of appreciation and deep gratefulness overwhelming our senses.

A reminder the worth the lowest of days carry. For without these lows we would never be able to understand the highest of highs. 

The key is to find someone who you can survive the worst of days and embrace and live to cherish the highest. 

There is always a balance. And although I question sometimes the moments of choas, we always try to remind ourselves that they also should be honored for all that they bring.