My Love Life since Donna and My Boat Wiring Had the Same Problem: Loose Connections

Mar 13

"Everything happens for a reason. Trust in God’s plan." That’s classic “Old Lisa” wisdom, and lately, she’s been renting space in my head for free. It also reminds me of the quote I have on my Instagram Page:

"Sometimes when things are falling apart, they are actually falling into place!"

And oh boy, have things been falling, shifting, and occasionally smacking me in the face.

Back when “Old Lisa” and I were “friends” (how she always defined our intimate (wink-wink) relationship—she’d NEVER admit we were dating), she was my go-to for spiritual and life guidance. And now? Turns out, I’m leaning on that wisdom again! It gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling to have her back as a friend… and this time, we actually are just friends!

Nothing has proven her words more true than what happened this week during Ohana’s big battery system upgrade. My entire life has apparently been one giant breadcrumb trail leading to this near catastrophe that was miraculously avoided. So, here’s how God’s plan has played out so far:

Losing Donna was devastating, but it brought me closer to my boys. It also led me to “Old Lisa” —who, fun fact, I had a massive crush on in high school but was too shy to talk to. For a few years, I was able to be there for her and her kids after they lost their husband/dad. Plus, it nudged me into the boating industry—something I absolutely love. Turns out, my retirement plan involves more saltwater than shuffleboard, and it keeps both my brain and body active.
Break up with “Old Lisa” forced me to sell the house and buy the boat! No more 7.5 acres in Woodbine, MD, surrounded by established families and PTA meetings. Instead, I found a like-minded, adventure-loving community with the social buzz I crave.
Getting MOG Antibody Disease made me retire early—but plot twist—it also made early cruising financially possible! Disability covers daily expenses, Medicare picks up my medical bills, and I get to live my dream at 54. Win-win (sort of).
Buying the boat led me to connect with “The Ex” (not “Old Lisa”, another one—I know, I know). “The Ex” helped nurse me through my MOG flare-ups and finding a treatment. In return, I gave her the push she needed to buy Merroir, rent out her old house, helped her financially, and even did thousands of dollars in renovations before moving on.
Breaking up with “The Ex” That led me to upgrade Ohana’s battery system (because when emotions run high, why not spend money on yet another sexy woman?). It also made me realize we were a relationship of convenience. The love wasn’t mutual, our personalities clashed, but hey, let’s just say there was a certain cabin on Ohana where we had great chemistry. 🤪

And here’s where God really flexed His sense of humor and showed his Master Plan.

During Ohana’s lithium upgrade, the installers discovered something that could’ve literally burnt my floating home to the waterline—loose, corroded connections hidden behind panels. We’re talking about the kind of fire hazard that makes insurance adjusters sweat. Wires were falling out of crimped terminals like they had better places to be. If this hadn’t been caught, Ohana would’ve gone up in flames faster than my last relationship in the very near future.

And what do you know? “Old Lisa” was right again.

"Things happen for a reason. God has a plan. Stop trying to control it."

BTW - She also hit me with another gem in a chat we had last night:

"Self-discipline is the highest form of self-love, and that is God’s command—to love ourselves and others."

(This gem deserves a blog post of its own as I am still processing it and seeing how to apply it to my life —stay tuned for that.)

So, as I sail into the next chapter of my life, I can’t help but wonder: What’s the next twist in this divine comedy? Whatever it is, I trust it’s all part of “THE PLAN!”

Stay tuned.