Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.
I have indeed, been leaning on you all, by sharing with you as it progressed, from the first post to the last, it has been cathartic to do so.
There is so much to be careful of when talking with family and even acquaintances, trying not to say something that may hurt more, and yet be comforting.
This is a rough industry, and even the ones that try to be safe, try to do things right in every way, lose the gamble. Then there's men like Craig, who push the limits all the time, with equipment not right for the situation (this boat was old, ancient, a previouis 58-ft. seiner in her first incarnation (the papers and tv keep reporting the size wrong, but who can blame them when it was coming ashore in pieces like that), and he had trouble keeping her afloat and operational last Summer during Tuna season. One trip, he got about 100 miles offshore and then had to drift for three days waiting for his batteries to charge so he could get the engine running and make it back in :new_shocked: that scared us all right there, and he has had a few bar crossings here where he lost power and had been swept to the side. One of his last communications w/other boats in the area was, "I've been drifting over Clatsop Spit (horrible place to be off course, like a washing machine) taking breakers, this thing's tough" and so his bravado won out, and for what reason he had to hurry to get in, we may never know.), they win against all odds, to the point that one would think they are charmed, or lucky beyond luck.
So when their number does, indeed, come up, it is somewhat shocking even if it had been predicted and even expected to a degree. One talks about it hoping it won't happen....
His mother is flying in from NV, and I'm not sure what plans will be made for a memorial or what. I'm still hoping his body is recovered before a long time passes. Most of the boat has been recovered but the wheelhouse, as far as I know, at least the majority anyway.
Thank you again, for all your thoughts and condolences, they mean a lot.
Liz M.