“The Secret O’ Life is enjoying the passing of time.” It’s the first line of the James Taylor song Secret O’ Life, which is also the name of the boat sailed by Terry Bingham for many years. Everyone who knew Terry knows he did an exceptional job of honoring that name. Sadly, Terry passed away this week after a battle with severe pancreatitis in La Paz, Bolivia. He was on an inland trip exploring South America with his girlfriend Tammy when he became ill.
I only knew Terry for a short time in person, but his website was one I had read for years while we were preparing to go cruising. He was a “home boy”, and Secret O’ Life was in the same marina in Eagle Harbor with Yohelah when she was known as Vita. The tragic news is that Terry was young and healthy and strong; but Terry got to live the life he wanted cruising aboard his boat for many years before a very untimely passing.
Today in Bahia we had a rememberance ceremony at Siananda. Usually I don’t talk alot about other boats in these logs because friends and family reading at home don’t know these folks, but I will now because I want to remember. It was organized by Nakia, and memories were also shared by Sarana, Blew Moon, Batwing, Che Bella, Mita Kuuluu, Encore, Shared Dreams, Taremaro, 9 of Cups, Diesel Duck and Jubilee.
Sometimes I think we should be at home being responsible and putting money in the bank for retirement. And then we get a very sad reminder that life can be short and living your life the best way you know how is sometimes far more important than being responsible. Terry had just started receiving his social security check and said there was no way he could possibly spend that much money every month.
Today on Yohelah we’re remembering that the Secret O’ Life is enjoying the passing of time….
