A Note From Mom

Hi All,
Mom here for an update from the home front. Please forgive the lack of blog posts of late. It has been an interesting time for sure and we are all adjusting to A LOT of changes.

First off, last Thursday was an incredible day. We had been busy for months preparing for Zac's return and, like a kid on Christmas Eve, I could hardly wait nor believe that the day had finally arrived. We set off for the marina early and dropped by the Fisherman's Village to check on the set up. Richard Meyers was hanging signs, Christian Pinkston, Gary Calaroso and Michael Broggie were checking in the press and all the other millions of details surrounding an event like this. The place was abuzz with press crews and people showing up early to welcome Zac home.

We had to run over to the Del Rey Yacht Club who graciously offered the use of over 20 boats for our friends, family, sponsors etc to go out and see Zac coming in. We met there and found our ride and set off with our immediate family, Jen and her family, Lisa Gizara and fiance Eric, Pete and Al from the LA Times and the film crew. We actually had a surprise guest, Ron Kilgore from KNX 1070 radio who were just awesome that day broadcasting live throughout the day.

It was grey and overcast which was strange but at least the seas were calm. Yes, I get seasick! We set out and headed off in the direction we thought he would be coming from. After a few minutes we were able to make out a herd of boats in the distance. As we made our way I realized that the herd was surrounding Zac and following him in. That really got me chocked up to think that all of those people would take their boats out to see my son.

We made our way closer, being careful not to get in Zac's path or in anyone else's path. There were a few near misses that morning! We finally got close enough to see Intrepid and Zac at the tiller. It is hard to explain how it felt to actually see him again in person and not in a photograph as I had done for so many months. I waved and shouted and he saw us and smiled and waved. All of the kids were so excited! It was the successful completion of a journey for our whole family. I am only now just beginning to realize the effects of that on our lives.

We followed Zac for a good while watching as people shouted, blew air horns and even played trumpets. A boat load of his friends veared close and shouted and screamed. It was an incredible time and my most favorite of the day.

Wanting to be able to be there to meet Zac at the dock, we had to pull ourselves away and head back to Fisherman's Village. We got parked and waited while Zac slowly made his way in. It was pretty busy but Zac managed to weave his way in with the help of Boat US Towing that stood by to fend off if necessary.

Zac got in to his slip and after literally fighting off a news person who didn't care that he was interrupting our special moment, got to give my boy a big squeeze. Zac was ecstatic and beaming from ear to ear. Just awesome!

You have all heard the press conference (if you haven't - go to the media page and watch all of the great videos) so I won't go into detail there. It was a fabulous day.

Zac came out to dinner with us and then home and out with friends for a few hours. We were up again the following morning to do a few morning shows down in the marina.

As the days have worn on I have been able to hang out with Zac and enjoy just having him around. One of my favorite memories of Zac is when he gets out of bed in the morning and shuffles out of his room. I just stood there on his first morning home staring at him. Very silly perhaps but if you are a mom you will understand!

Zac has been pretty busy with interviews, renewing friendships and working on the details of his trip - bething Intrepid, unpacking, writing his book etc. I have noticed some changes in Zac. He is the same easy going, funny guy but all the more gracious and kind. He is not one to philosophise about things, at least not out loud, but the wheels are turning up there and he is full of life and passion and plans for his future. It has been an immeasurable pleasure to watch him.

We plan to continue the blog and are hoping to have a more regular routine soon. We are so thankful to so many people who have come together from day one to make this happen. We are thankful for your support and encouragement.

Laurence and I have spent the past few days in the studio at Praxis Universal working on the final edits of part one of Zac's documentary. This experience is so deep on so many levels. We are working hard to convey that to you all and from what we have seen, know that you will really love it.

Cheers,

Marianne
aka Zac's mom

PS A special note to the folks at Mike Perham and Jessica Watson's camps. The level of sportsmanship among the 3 of you young people is an inspiration all of its own. It has made this experience all the more meaningful to have like-minded people who really understand what this is like and how and why it is done.