Just over a month ago in a distant land, I coined the phrase "The Matt and Mandy's of the world".  One might wonder what this means, and as it happens you're not in luck because I'm not going to explain it right now.  Matt and Mandy both know what it means...One is with me now and the other...well, I hope he's safely off the boat in Alaska.

In our journey's yesterday, I coined a new phrase..."The Gary's and Ben's of the world."  These are the kind souls that seem to drop out of the sky during a crisis (no matter how big or small, really) and remind you that there really are good people left in the world.  Good Samaritans are not a lost art, and that was proven to us in a rather funny way yesterday.

Our travels throughout the Southern Maine Coast led us to George Bush's summer home in Kennebunkport (though we really had no idea it was his house when we stopped and took pictures...), a breathtaking stone church by the sea (St. Anns), a lighthouse we thought we could actually tour (despite the fact that it is on an ISLAND that is NOT CONNECTED to land with a bridge!) called Cape Neddick Light (AKA Nubble), the Marginal Way, York Beach, Ogunquit (which Mandy refers to as Algonquin :)), Wells, Kittery, and these travels were SUPPOSED to lead us to "The Silver Lining" in Perkins Cove for a sunset sail.  Apparently God has a sense of humor though, and wanted us to know who was in charge yesterday.  Let me explain.

I was in an outfitter in Kittery trying to purchase some wool socks when I realized my credit/debit card and my driver's license were no longer in my possession.  After a thorough search of the car, etc., I realized that the only place it could really be was in between these rocks at Cape Neddick Light where Mandy and I both sat for a spell taking pictures and journaling.  When I stood up I thought I heard something fall, looked back, didn't see anything, and went on my merry way. Little did I know...(this is where you realize how stupid I was to have my license and card in the pocket in the first place!)

We retraced our steps to the lighthouse and called the Capt. of the Silver Lining to let him know we were in a crisis situation and that we might not make the launch of the boat.  I went and looked down between the rocks and couldn't really see anything and went back to the car, proceeded to call my bank and cancel my card and call my parents for the voice of reason to decide how I was going to get some form of ID and money to get through the next week of vacation.  After all of this, I told Mandy..."The sun is setting and it's a beautiful view.  While we have a sucky situation on our hands, we might as well get out of the car and enjoy the sunset over the lighthouse."  While I was getting my camera Mandy wondered over to the rocks again and took a look and guess what she thought she saw...my cards.  What did I do?  Of course.  I immediately thought, I've already cancelled my card!!!!  Then I logically thought, How do we get it out?  I need my driver's license as I am the only one who can drive the rental car AND all the hotels are in my name.

So, I looked to the left, looked to the right, and saw a truck, and a man (this is Ben) with a fishing pole and Mandy and I begged for his help to fish out my cards.  His friend Gary (they were on vacation from Massachusetts) was out on the rocks, and before long, we were making quite a spectacle with me holding a flashlight, the pole, etc., Mandy laying on her stomach trying hook the cards with some fishing line and a large hook, then Ben on his stomach trying to hook the cards, and finally Gary sticking his long lanky arms in the wedge to fish them out.  You would have thought we'd one a million dollars when this happened as Mandy even cried.  We thanked the guys, took their picture, thanked them some more, and watched them drive away all the while thinking..Why didn't we get their numbers?  Why didn't we take them out for drinks?  Mandy..."I'll take Ben..." Shannon..."Good, I liked Gary..."  with both of us thinking "Lot of good it does us now..."

...And, it was there, on the rocks of Cape Neddick, then on to York Beach (I got you rocks, Mom) Mandy and I reflected on the Gary's and Ben's of the world...those souls who seem to fall from the sky when you need them...Good Samaritans who make the world brighter by doing something for someone else in a time of need...no matter how simple of complex.  It really is good to know there are still good people out there...

Until tomorrow, folks.
Shannon (and Mandy :))