Day 85
8/6/22
It was a wonderful day for Goldens at the lake! Long walks, jumping off the dock, wild animal smells galore and finally a sense of peace as we take in the view from the 3rd floor balcony. While the goldens continue to "air dry," I find myself walking down memory lane.
One summer, long ago, the same four fort builders decided to take a canoe trip across the bay. Taking a well-packed lunch, we headed for an island around the point. With two of us sitting in the bottom of the canoe while the older two paddled, we set forth on our adventure.
The point is about two miles away and then another mile or so to the island. All went "swimmingly" until we hit white caps. Now these waves grew in stature until they splashed over the sides of the boat! Our older siblings were undaunted, but the two of us on the floor of the canoe started to panic a bit. The white caps were so big that we were taking on water fast!
Digging into the picnic basket, we decided to take the cups designated for our peaceful picnic to start bailing water. As we approached the island, we clambered into the shallows in relief. Once on shore, we emptied the boat of water and headed over to the resort of Breezy Point as a final destination. Landing at the resort, we began a discussion regarding the return trip.
I was almost in tears as the two wielding the paddles wanted to head back through the massive waves. At that moment, we saw our blue speedboat frantically jetting through the waters surrounding the island. We could only imagine two concerned fathers searching the waters! We screamed and frantically waved the paddles, but our antics were to no avail.
The boat turned and pounded the waves towards the cabin...now what?!? This was long before cell phones and we didn't even HAVE a landline at the cabin. Running to a real estate office, we poured out our tale of woe. Getting out a large phone book, we finally found a neighbor we could call to run over and comfort our poor parents.
Sweet Dad drove over with a trailer to pick us all up with the canoe. He didn't reprimand or shame us. He only said, "We are all so glad you are alright!" Those words of comfort, instead of scolding, allowed all of us to ponder our poor decisions on that voyage!
I look out there now, with goldens sleeping at my feet, and feel gratitude for a happy ending. Far more than that, I am grateful for the love that surrounded me in my childhood and beyond. Without condemnation or shame, the approval, support and love surrounding me allowed me to grow in independence and wisdom without being fearful of making mistakes. I don't ever want to take that for granted.
