Date: Wed, 7 Oct 2020 02:41:02 +0200 (CEST)
From: jacoblion@tutanota.com
Subject: A Neglected Boy The Twins LXXXVIII

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Thanks to all Nifty Staff for their help. Please remember this Story is
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fun. ... There may be some sex; it will be gentle and loving.

Just a reminder the story is told by either Jake or Kori in alternating
Chapters.


A Neglected Boy "The Twins" LXXXVIII
jacoblion@tutanota.com

This Chapter marks the 2-year anniversary of
A Neglected Boy first posted on October 7, 2018

   I was not having fun! ... I asked Kori if the weather update showed the
storm slowing . . . . "Jake it looks like we are through the worst of it.
It's showing the storm is moving northwest and will pass over Cape
Elizabeth in about 2 hours.  Thing is we're very east of where we should
be.  When it calms down a bit Ethan, Keith and I will reset the sails and
turn and let's see if we can head into Kennebunkport, Maine for a day."
. . . . Kori that sounds good to me.

   While we were being tossed around like a cork on the waves I was being
treated to laughs and screams of pure joy and excitement by Justin and
Kyle.  Their enjoyment of riding the waves like a rollercoaster with no
fear was in part because I had my arms wrapped tightly around them.

   Much like walking over and flipping a light switch and turning off the
light so it was with the squall.  From thunder and torrential rain with
winds of 30 gusting to near 40 then suddenly dropping to next to nothing
and almost a dead calm.  I had been told on a number of occasions that this
is typical of sailing the North Atlantic and to be expected.  Well, I
really didn't expect it; I didn't enjoy it either.

   With Justin and Kyle strapped tightly in their lifejackets and hooked to
me we made our way topside.  It was beautiful.  The sky was bright and pale
blue.  High overhead thin wispy clouds were moving ever so slowly.  Looking
far off to the northeast it was dark gray and in spots almost purple.  As
we all looked at that scene, we knew what was going on around Cape
Elizabeth and Portland. ... I'm happy we're heading for Kennebunkport and
for a break from this.

   I love Kori and I know how much he loves sailing and Jabbering.  I could
never tell him that the entire experience has been Ok but, I'm not the
seagoing sailor he is.  Perhaps I'm just showing my age, perhaps I'd rather
spend a little more time at home with Justin and Kyle, perhaps camping
along a quiet lake with the sound of birds and the warm morning sun would
be more my thing, perhaps just perhaps I'd like a little more time with his
arms around me than watching him fussing over the foresail or tweaking the
main sail to get an extra half knot.

   I hadn't let go of Justin and Kyle.  Although in the security of the
cockpit and with the wind and waves at almost a dead calm I still held them
tightly. ... ... "Dad, you can let go now" ... it was that amazing sound of
stereo little voices needing to be released.  I let go.  Yes, I let go and
there was an immediate feeling of emptiness.  I don't want them to grow up.
I hate the thought of them not being "rug-rats", not being trouble, not
being in the way half the time, not asking thousands of questions, not
being my little boys ... I hate that thought!

   Down the companionway and back up the companionway now with Hamburger
and Hot-dog needing fresh air and some sun.  Speaking of fresh air
... ... `Hey, Kyle and Justin when was the last time you cleaned their
cage?  You don't have to answer but you do have to clean their cage
... now.  I know Hamburger and Hot-dog will love you for it.'

   "Ok, Dad, can you help?" like I had any choice as Kyle and Justin handed
me the hamsters.  Now I'm baby-sitting 2 hamsters that are not liking me.
Ow! ... damn Hot-dog! ... ... "Language `Dad'!" ... ... Yes Kyle but your
hamster just kinda bit me ... ...  "Don't squeeze him n he won't bite and
it wasn't a bite he just nibbled a little" ....  I guess Kyle's right I
don't see blood.

   I don't see blood but why do the rug-rats and those teens have to laugh?
...  Kori turned from studying the Navionics and the paper chart and the
next sound was the Yanmar SD 55HP Diesel as it cranked up.  For the first
time in many hours I began to relax hearing the sound of that engine.  It's
a nice sound almost comforting.

   Kori came over and sat next to me.  His arm gently around me as he said
. . . . "Jake, I know you were getting a little anxious in the storm but,
it's over and the good news is we're looking at good weather for at least 3
days.  The not so good news is that the storm and being on the edge of the
Gulfstream has pushed us 43 miles East of Kennebunkport.  That's a little
more than 20 miles east of where we should be and on the edge of a shipping
lane and we have to cross another shipping lane to get into port."

   Kori continued with the good news . . . . "Looks like we'll be cruising
all night Jake.  We can all take turns watching Jabbering.  Now the great
news Jake ... how about we spend the day touring the town and get a motel
or hotel for the night?" ... ...  I had quietly listened to Kori as he
tried to make things sound so bright and upbeat but, I had a much better
idea and that was two (2) nights in a motel, a movie in a theater not on
Jabbering, breakfast, lunch, and dinner in restaurants.  I think he
understood my suggestion when he replied .... .... "Ok, 2 nights and we eat
in restaurants."

   So, ... ... with the cheers of the other members of the crew I find I
wasn't the only one needing a break.  Then the request ... and Ethan asked
. . . . "Does that mean Keith and I get a room by ourselves?" . . . . I
know what Kori was thinking but before he could say one night they would
have to share with the rug-rats I said ........ Yes, Ethan you and Keith
can have a separate room both nights; and Kori and will share our room with
Kyle and Justin.

   There was a slight catch to the teens getting a separate room to
themselves and that was they would have to share watching Kyle and Justin
during the day. ... ... Ahhhh, so many smiles as it seems that the catch
worked for all 4 boys.  Now, as for Kori .... well, he'll get over it.

   So, the time table had some changes.  We'll get to Bar Harbor and
there's no hurry anyway?  The night was mostly the sound of the diesel and
I had only 1 watch and it was the first one.  The remainder of the night
Kori was in and out of the cabin, in and out of the bunk and it was almost
funny when Kyle told Kori . . . . "Make up your mind `Dad' I was sleeping,
here's my pillow hug that." . . . . I wanted to laugh.

   Hmmmm, ... something was missing and the boat was very still .... ahhhh
no diesel sound we must be docked and then the best thing happened ... ...
I could smell coffee, ohhhh, and that's bacon.  I thought I could get out
of the bunk without waking the rug-rats ... nope not a chance.  Kyle and
Justin were chasing their noses and both saying "bacon". ... They actually
pushed me out of the way sliding into the galley first.

   As Keith was starting breakfast, he said Kori and Ethan were checking
the anchor and it would be about 2 hours before we could get to our slip at
Yachtsman's.  He had a good start on breakfast and it looks like an egg
au-gratin of some kind.  Eggs, cheese, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers and
Italian sweet sausage all in our big pan and then in the oven.  Toast and a
side of bacon with coffee, tea, and hot cocoa.  The coffee was `my' coffee,
the `Tea' .... I looked at it and told Keith to boil it another 10 minutes.

   Time and time again I'm reminded that Justin loves Keith and sometimes
uses that; oh, how he uses that.  Like hugging Keith this morning and
telling him how he's Justin's best buddy, not Lars or Marco just Keith and
that he's extra hungry this morning.  Oh, let me translate Justin's
intentions >>> "You're my bestest friend Keith, I love you Keith, you're
making breakfast Keith, you're my BFF (best friend forever) I get a real
big plate this morning, right Keith?" ... ... Keith just smiled.

   When the plates hit the table I looked, I studied each plate and
... SOB, Justin had 3 pieces of bacon and extra jam on his toast.  That
lasted all of 30 seconds as Keith gave everyone another piece of bacon.
Someone frowned.  I think he had seen me studying the plates.  He had such
a beautiful smile as he gave me my extra piece of bacon, then the `wink'
and that said he knew what Justin was up to; still there is no denying the
fact that Justin is Keith's boy just like Kyle is Ethan's boy, most of the
time.

   Teens and two 10-year-old rug-rats on a boat; oh, and 2 hamsters and the
required amount of food.  The amount of food requires careful and
thoughtful planning when looking at charts and our daylong trips into
tourist villages along the coasts of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and
Maine and our planned visit to Nova Scotia.  It is of course that fresh
salt air that causes the increased appetite.  Then I looked at Kyle,
Justin, Keith, and Ethan and nah it's just kids that age 6 meals a day +
snacks.

   We pulled into our dock space at Yachtsman's Lodge,
https://yachtsmanlodge.com/ and I didn't even blink when I signed the
register for the 2 rooms for 2 nights.  The Harbor front Bungalows at
Kennebunkport's Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club aren't merely water view
rooms.  They are chic and intimate indoor-outdoor realms they are clean,
sun-warmed and bright inside, with white shiplap walls, high ceilings and
boutique-style furnishings in cheery shades of mango, magenta and sky.

   Our water-facing glass doors open to a private outdoor space and we had
our own terrace and a garden café.  Our room with its water views
and a king-size bed and marble stand-up showers, golden fixtures and
luxurious necessities--from toiletries to robes was just what we needed.
Nope I didn't even blink when I signed the register and handed over my
credit card.  Ethan and Keith had the adjoining room complete with the
latest gaming station.  Kori and I loved the expression on the boy's faces
when they asked if we could maybe stay for 4 nights ... Ummmm, No!
... ... we knew it was their way of saying their room was awesome.

   Bags neatly stowed at the foot of the bed we were off for a tour of
Kennebunkport.  Roberto, the Concierge, suggested we watch a short aerial
video before starting
out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcu4Jqh1sJE&ab_channel=Sotheby%27sInternationalRealty
... Roberto was correct and the video was excellent.  He also is very good
at what he does as he noticed the boys and just happened to mention the
excellent surf fishing.  Oh, he did also mention that the hotel has all the
necessary fishing gear for `rent'.

   Kayaking, and fishing for the afternoon, kite flying and some of the
best snorkeling would fill our 2 day visit to Kennebunkport.  Once known
merely as the dreamy backdrop of the Bush family compound, Kennebunkport,
Maine is this tiny New England town on the state's rocky southern coast
offering much more than a few lazy days in the sun.

   Kori and I can see that this is one of the best vacation towns along the
New England coast and by the looks of our 4 boys they agree.  Our discovery
walk found gorgeous beaches with clam shacks along the way.  For lunch
lobster rolls and ice cream.  Kennebunkport has its share of art galleries
and Justin and Kyle were dragging Kori and me along with Ethan and Keith in
and out of them about as quickly as they could with only fishing on their
minds.

   Fishing we did.  Ethan and Keith both landed good size Bass.  What could
be more fun than Justin and Kyle being chased by 2 large crabs and I think
the 8 or 10 people near us could hear Justin screaming ... "damn crabs,
damn crabs, hate em" ...  Kyle was laughing so hard he slipped on some
seaweed and fell into a tidal pool of sea water. ...  Don't laugh; it
turned into a brawl, a real knock down dragged out fight when Justin
shouted . . . . "Kyle peed his pants" and those people close by all turned
and looked.

   Day turned into night.  Showers were delightful with the rug-rats
wanting more strawberry shampoo.  Kori thought they were squeaky clean
after we washed their hair the fourth time.  Neither Justin or Kyle were
about to step out of the shower until Kori and I had finished the job of
scrubbing the little buggers from head to toe and back up not missing a
`thing'. ... Funny little giggles when `things' began growing.

    Finally, ... I say finally because after 30 minutes of attention on
those two little obnoxious creatures Kori and I got them to exit the
shower, dry and get dressed for dinner and a movie. ... ... Ahhhh, now our
turn in the shower and it was fun right to the moment squeaky little voices
were shouting . . . . "Hurry up we're hungry and Ethan and Keith are
already here."

   Reservations at Cape Pier Chowder House
https://www.capepierchowderhouse.com/ and let me tell you our dinner was
amazing and enjoyed by everyone.  Let me explain `everyone' .. you see,
where ever we go you can count on the simple entertainment provided by Kyle
and Justin otherwise known as "rug-rats" or "The Twins" and tonight wasn't
any different.

   The show started when we walked through the door.  Justin spotted the
`Lobster Tank' and those two little nuts were off before any of us could
catch them; noses pressed solidly against the glass.  Immediately some lady
had to say ... "what cute kids" ... of course rug-rats heard that and went
right to her table and began explaining.........

   "we're just two typical Korean 10-year-old twins living with `our dads'
they're professors at Yale and we attend Yale at the on campus elementary
school.  Kori & Jake say we're cute but a handful and love attention"
... ... Justin, shrugging his shoulders, continued with ... ... "it's true
but we're 10 and it's hard not to be cute `our dads' say so every day"
... Ethan and Keith tried to retrieve them ... but, don't you know this
lady wanted to hear all about them and `their dads'.

   Oh yes, and now everyone in the restaurant knows that Kori and I are
professors at Yale and that we just happen to be gay and that Keith and
Ethan might get married........... WHAT? ... ... ... where the hell did
that come from?  There were smiles, nods, chuckles, one outright laugh and
a few gasps. (that came from some old farts) Justin had to ask if she
wanted to see them dance like K-pop stars that took a new direction because
this lady didn't know what a K-pop star was. ... ... Oh, applause didn't
help things as "The Twins" went right into their act.

   Politely I stepped in and said how sorry I was for the interruption of
their dinner and quietly ushered Kyle and Justin to our table.  As we
walked to the table, I could hear ... "they're so cute" ... "I bet they can
be a handful" ... "their `dads' Yale allows that? ........  I wanted to
address that comment and should have but the place was packed and I also
wanted a nice meal with `my' family despite the ignorance of that (1)
person.

   We each ordered something from the appetizer list and in the center of
the table we shared a Large Seafood Combo that comes with Haddock,
Scallops, Clams, Shrimp and fish balls.  Seriously that's what it said, now
what certain little monsters said was much more than I can repeat but,
there was some reference to the fact that Keith and Ethan have much larger
balls so these `fish balls' must have been from `puny' fish.  Kori was
slipping under the table.

   At the end of dinner there was a very pleasant surprise.  The
bill/check/tab for dinner didn't include anything Justin or Kyle ordered
and when I paid, we were handed a box.  We arrived at our room and opened
the box to find homemade cookies and two 12-inch stuffed toy lobsters for
Justin and Kyle.  Where would dinner be tomorrow night?  Cape Pier Chowder
House for sure.

   We had just a few minutes then off to the movies.  Jumanji the Next
Level and it was so good for 4 boys and Kori well, I guess you could say
all 5 boys.  I was tired and wanting to try out the bed back at the hotel.
Movie over and we were back at the Yachtsman's.  It was a quick washup and
hop in bed.  All I remember was pulling Justin close my arm around him and
then it was morning.  Why didn't we close the drapes? ...  Yes, we had a
beautiful ocean view. ... Yes, looking directly East out over the ocean and
yes, that is where the sun rises.

   I was on the side of the bed facing the ocean closest to our private
deck.  The sun remembering how much I love it decided to give me an extra
loud wakeup call throwing those dagger-like rays into my sleepy eyes.
Trying to ignore it I turned and now was face to face with a grinning cute
little boy.  Sleep over.  There is some justice in this because Kyle and
Justin were up, rested and full of energy so no one got another minute of
sleep.

   Showers.  These demanding little naked tyrants were pulling Kori and I
wanting to start the day with all 4 of us in the shower again.  Strawberry
shampoo and they were scrubbed head to toe and back up not missing any
little `thing'.  Shower finished we collected the teens who were smartly
dressed and ready to go.  We were about to leave the room when Kori asked
. . . . "Ummmm, did you guys feed Hamburger and Hot-dog?"..........

   ..........Kyle lifted the fitted cover that that covers the cage
... ... ... OMG! ... ... ... they've escaped.  It appears that last night
someone forgot to make sure the cage door was latched tight.  The hunt
began.  First was to search the outside deck and shut the sliding door.
Under the chairs, bed, closet, behind the room refrigerator, under the
bureau.  Not a sign and now the blaming started.

   Keith and Ethan grabbed Kyle and it was off to their room and search
everything while Justin remained with me and Kori.  Kori was just about to
go to the teens room when the drape moved at the bottom in the far left of
the room. ... ... The chase begins.  I never knew just how fast a hamster
could run and we are so lucky because we have two of them going in
different directions.

   The cavalry arrived led by a highly animated rug-rat named Kyle still
determined to blame his brother for the escape.  The door to the adjoining
room was shut and a towel placed at the bottom to stop either escapee from
getting out of our room.  Kori asked the rug-rats . . . . "What do you guys
feed them it's like their on steroids?" . . . .

   Trapped!  Kori had them in a corner.  He reached for Hot-dog as Justin
shouted .... "Don't squeeze him!!" .... To late ... ... "Ow! Ow! Son of a
B.... he bit me".  4 people were laughing and I was trying to contain my
laughter ... I did try.  Hamsters back in their cage fed and clean water;
Oh, by the way these hamsters get vitamin water.

   After our chase and capture the day was much the same as yesterday with
one exception and that was the 4 boys spotted a rather huge game room.  I
was not at all happy that Kori won every challenge of Super Mario.
Rug-rats found that so funny and soon I was told my eye-hand coordination
was slow and that it's a sign of drinking too much coffee and `old
age'. ... ... `Old age?' ... `Old age Ethan?'

   Snorkeling was excellent but the water here was a little cool.  We
spotted a variety of crabs from horseshoe crabs to spider crabs all in one
large pool.  We were in shallow water and when we stood, we all began
singing ... "Damn crabs, Damn crabs."  Kyle and Justin were saying not on
Jabbering ever again.

   Dinner at Cape Pier Chowder House was excellent and tonight we each had
a 1-pound lobster and corn on the cob and the same large seafood combo.
Kori said he'd like to have an order to go it was that good.  The bill was
the same no charge for rug-rats and a nice bag of cookies handed to us as
we left the restaurant.

   Back at Yachtsman's first thing was to check the hamsters.  Relief they
were in their cage.  Then Kori and I got quite a surprise when Keith and
Ethan came in and dragged Justin and Kyle to their room.  Ok, that was an
exaggeration the rug-rats weren't dragged at all they were excited to go
with the teens. ... ... Yes, Kori and I had the night to ourselves.

   After a little fun it was a very sound nights sleep.  The morning sun
was a very pleasant way to wake as it shown through our drapes.  The
adjoining room door opened and 2 of the cutest kids came bouncing in and
climbed on the bed showering Kori and I with hugs and kisses.  The morning
greeting lasted about 5 minutes and then the tug of war. ...  Ok, ok seeing
we'll be back on Jabbering in an hour we gave in and let the rug-rats drag
us to the shower.  I'm thinking we should buy stock in `Strawberry
shampoo'.

    On the way from the room to the front desk was the continued argument
about who should carry the hamsters. ... "Stop it! .. Can't you two just
try to be nice and not argue about everything? ...  Try it!  Try it for 3
days." ....  Keith didn't ask he just shoved his backpack at Kyle and
snatched the hamsters.  .... "There now you know who's carrying the
hamsters!" he said.  The look of shock on the rug-rats faces was pretty
interesting ... Keith had never raised his voice at them before.

   We were back on Jabbering stowed all the gear and made ready to get
underway.  All the nav. gear checked dock lines and fenders in and we were
on our way to Yarmouth, Maine.

   It wasn't that far but an interesting sail as Kori wanted to go out
around Bigelow Bight, Maine so that was 24 miles. Then we spent an hour
fishing as this place is known for exceptional codfish.  I forgot to
mention that it is also known for Blue Shark.  Then it was another 20 miles
into Yarmouth.

   We were all ready for fishing and everything that was said about the
area was true.  We landed 7 beautiful Cod in just over an hour.  The
freezer was packed with nice thick Cod fillets.  We were now heading for
Yarmouth and tomorrow a tour of this old seaport in New England.

   Yarmouth is a town in Cumberland County, Maine, located twelve miles
north of the state's largest city, Portland.  The town was settled, while a
district of Massachusetts, in 1636 and incorporated in 1849, 29 years after
its admittance to the Union.  That information was delivered by our
youngest 2 historians.

   Soon we were moored in Yarmouth harbor and Ethan and Keith got the drone
out and here is a look at Yarmouth by drone.  We all loved the great shot
of Jabbering at 1:26 seconds in the video with her shiny black hull, white
decks and tall
mast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OS6rzihEW0&ab_channel=Sotheby%27sInternationalRealty
I think we watched the teens short movie at least 8 times ...  No, we
didn't have any choice as Keith and Ethan kept playing it over and over
pointing out this and that.

   Our visit to Yarmouth wasn't long but necessary.  Some ... well, most
stops are important for shopping and to give Justin and Kyle a break from
the boat.  A chance to find a playground and get some of the energy out of
their system.  In all honesty Justin and Kyle are very good on Jabbering
and find things to do all by themselves.  We restocked the boat and, in the
morning, it was crank up the diesel and head back out to sea for our trip
to Bar Harbor.

   The trip to Bar Harbor wasn't short.  We would be sailing over 100 miles
in what can be very difficult conditions depending on weather.  To our luck
the weather was perfect with good wind and sea conditions.

   This area is known for some of the best commercial fishing.  Fishing
fleets form as far south as New Jersey will come here during the season for
lobster and cod.  Ethan had checked Windy and it looked like that erratic
storm Jacquerie was now a category 1 hurricane and had picked up speed
moving quick along the coast and heading toward the Cape Cod area and would
most likely be downgraded to a tropical storm as hit.

   Kori knew we would likely have some slow rolling swells and as a
precaution we made Jabbering ready for heavy weather.  We weren't making
very good time and sailed the day and night taking turns checking Jabbering
and plotting our position.  In the morning we found we were just south of
Desert Rock about half way to Bar Harbor.  Sea conditions were getting
slightly rougher and we had more wind.  Jabbering was now making much
better time.

   We were making better time but beginning to take a little pounding as
well.  As the morning progressed to afternoon the weather began to
deteriorate quickly.  Kori checked Windy, and all broadcast now indicated
that Jacquerie had made another turn and was now heading directly for
inland just south of Bar Harbor.

   The situation for us was getting worse as we will be on the storms worse
side.  Seas were increasing and now swells were nearly 14 feet and the wind
increased to 35 to 40 knots.  Kori, Ethan, and Keith had taken in the sails
leaving only just a small amount to help hold Jabbering steady.  Kyle and
Justin were excited as we headed up one swell then down to the valley and
up again just like riding some attraction at an amusement park.

   It was 6 pm and the seas were now 22+ feet and the wind increase to 60.
There was no way to be above deck.  I don't remember the exact time but all
HELL broke loose.  Jabbering was now taking a pounding like never before.
That storm when we came up from Ft. Lauderdale was nothing compared to
this.

   We couldn't see forward but it sounded like the forward stay snapped.
Soon after that sound it sounded like someone was pounding the deck with a
baseball bat.  Kori had started the diesel engine about 2 hours before and
it was having all it could do to keep us on our heading.  Justin and Kyle
weren't having fun anymore.  Both boys were scared and the continuous
pounding was frightening to me as well.  Jabbering would hit the water with
such force that my bones would hurt.

   It was 8 pm and the pounding was relentless.  It was nearing sunset and
even with all the lights on we could tell outside was very dark.  The
feeling in the salon was fear.  We had never experienced anything like
this.

   It was 8:22 when it happened.  Jabbering pitched almost straight up and
in almost like slow motion she held there ...  then in a sudden drop she
returned to the ocean below.  There was a jolt that knocked Kori and Keith
clean across the salon hitting the port bulkhead with such force that you
could hear things crack.

   Instantly we became aware of the gaping 30-inch triangular hole in the
starboard side.  Seawater was pouring in.  Kori, Ethan, and Keith grabbed
seat cushions and the table top and tried to hold it against the gaping
hole slowing the seawater.  In minutes we were almost knee deep in water
and Jabbering was listing to starboard.

   It must have been the eye of the storm as the wind dropped to almost
nothing.  The engine stopped.  The generator sputtered and quit.  Only
emergency lights on now. We were sinking.  Jabbering had taken a beating
and lost.  There was a scurry topside as Kori got on the
radio....................

      .................. "Mayday, mayday, mayday this is US sailing yacht
Jabbering a 40 foot sloop, repeat Mayday, mayday, mayday this is US sailing
yacht Jabbering a 40 foot sloop out of Mystic, Connecticut we are taking on
water in heavy seas ... our position is 44.3876 degrees N and 67.3955
degrees west and approximately 48 miles East of Bar Harbor, Maine.  There
are 7 souls onboard 2 boys 10, 2 boys 17 and 2 adults.  Sinking imminent we
are abandoning ship .... I repeat"........ the radio went dead.

   Ethan and Keith had already cut loose the 8-man life raft when Kori
crawled from the companionway.  Kori had Keith and Ethan in the life raft
first as we passed Justin and Kyle down to them.  Then I passed them the
hamsters.  Kori and I tried to make trips below to get 3 cases of water and
as much food as we could but 2 trips were all we could make.  We were lucky
to get 3 cases of water and some canned food.

   With Kori holding my hand I slid over Jabbering's side and into the life
raft.  Jabbering made one last hard roll making me slam against her side.
I think I cracked ribs.  Kori made a last look at Jabbering with the
cockpit now filling with the cold ocean water as I helped him into the life
raft.  I was in tremendous pain but never let him know.

   As Kori and I pushed from the side of jabbering and began to zip up the
water tight life raft we watched as Jabbering slid to her cold watery
grave.  We were now alone, cold and wet, miles to the east of land and the
eye of the storm had passed and once again were being hurled by the wind
and pounded by waves.

   The sea became so violent that the tops of each swell turned to
whitecaps of froth and the foam blew sideways hitting our life raft.  The
emergency GlobalFix V4 Survival beacon was sending out signals as soon as
the life raft hit the water so we knew that we were alerting rescue to our
location.

   Inside the raft it took almost an hour to get everything dry, or almost
dry.  First priority was to get Kyle and Justin out of wet clothes and into
something dry.  The conditions remained traumatic for hours.  Kyle was
doing better than Justin but not good.  Justin was vomiting again and
again.  We balanced the life raft by having Ethan, Kyle, and Kori on one
side and Keith, Justin and me on the other side.  It was difficult as we
were being thrown around so violently at times.

   Justin seemed to be getting worse.  Keith and I tried to rub him to keep
him warm and for both boys we finally had to wrap them in `space blankets'
the kind that reflect body heat in toward the body.  Kori and I continued
to try to get them to drink sips of water so not to let them get
dehydrated.

   I'm not sure what time it was but I think it was around midnight.  The
storm is raging but the sea has dropped slightly.  Kyle is being held
tightly between Kori and Ethan.  Justin is in my lap and is clinging to me
as if his life depended on it.  I can feel his fingers digging into my
skin.  In a very weak voice I hear him say . . . . "Dad make it
stop. Please Dad make it stop.  I want my mom."

   The night was cold, miserably cold.  I was holding onto him so tightly;
he was cold and shivering, it would stop for just a second then begin
again.  He was trying to say or sing something and I leaned down to hear
him, his little voice almost a whisper ... he was trying to hum "The Bear
went over the Mountain", he was so cold.

   I pulled him up slightly and kissed his head and told him I loved him.
I held him tight and told him again that I loved him.  I felt him squeeze
me real tight then Justin's grip began to loosen, his breathing began to
slow.  His little hands let go, his body lie limp in my arms.

   My heart is breaking....

jacoblion@tutanota.com