“CATCHING WITH” UP

How did your wife react when you told her you were leaving for a year?

You know, I have to admire my wife, because I had discussed this with her before and she wasn’t all that excited about that plan. But I came home one day and I said “Honey, I just purchased a boat, I’ll be departing from San Diego on the fifth of May,” which was about 45 days away. And actually, she didn’t think too much of that, either, and tried to talk me out of it. ... You know, most people buy a boat and they’ll work on it for years, trying to get all the equipment possible to make that kind of a voyage. I had only 30 days. My first leg was to Hawaii. Well, she came to Hawaii to meet me there. And I assumed she was coming there to say, “Good job,” you know. “Good luck on your trip to Africa, Australia. Fair winds and following seas,” and no. She came there to try to get me to turn back to California.

How do you convince a person to donate their organs?

Well, I guess it’s all about what your life is prior to and with the transplant. I mean, my life before transplant was unbelievable. I couldn’t carry the groceries in the house. I could barely make it up a flight of stairs. I wasn’t hungry, I was losing weight. I didn’t care about anything. And afterward, it’s just 100 percent changed. I couldn’t help but be grateful for everyone who had anything to do with [my] recovery.

How have you changed since the transplant?

I’ve cleaned up my own life. I no longer smoke. I used to be somewhat heavy, and now I’m okay. I have a greater appreciation for life, of course. I think more about what I’m doing and how it affects others than before. You just can’t help but change some, when you get an extension of your life that you never thought was ever possible. It’s been six-and-a-half years now. Even if I were to die tomorrow, I’ve had six-and-a-half years that I would have never had.

You said you’re golfing now instead of sailing. Are you pretty good?

No, I’m terrible! You know, I underestimated the difficulty of the game... I enjoy it, or I wouldn’t do it. A lot of people say, “I don’t even keep score. I just come out here for the exercise.” I could not play that way. I have got to keep score so I at least know I’m improving, and to compete against, if no one else, myself.

Are any sailing journeys on your mind?

I got a call from Jerry Montgomery. I’ve always known his name, because he’s a boat builder. He’s got a boat that’s ready for the ocean, although it’s 17 feet long. He asked me if I’d be interested.

So you’re thinking about it?

No! I’m not thinking about it.

What do you see in the future, for you and your family?

Our plan, I think, is to enjoy life and spend as much time with the children and the grandchildren, and maybe the great-grandchildren someday. And continue to live six months here, six months in Florida. My life hasn’t been very exciting. Just golf, enjoying life, eating out, and visiting our children, who are scattered about.