"A CHILD'S SMILE"

 

 

I thought I would add this to the prior.  In the above I asked what do I do with the "free" boat/motor/trailer?  As most things in life do, if given the chance and listened to - a solution presented itself.

 

    My wife and I just returned from a trip to Grand Isle, Louisiana.  We go there every chance we get, in order for me to reaffirm the inner balance within, in reasonable privacy (and to fish the Gulf waters).  We also love eating the Cajun cuisine.  This is our "Blue Bayou" in a hectic world.

 

    For some unknown reason I felt compelled to tow the flat bottom boat down with us.  I did not know why - since I knew we would be fishing on a friend's boat.  Once upon the island, and with our friends, we parked the boat at the marina where we stay.  It turns out our friends (our age) have taken on the responsibility of raising three grandchildren (ages 8 through 12), due to a drug related problem with the parents.

 

    The children have never been in one place more than three months in their lives, with the resultant insecurities being obvious.  After observing the children for a few days my wife remarked that we should do something to show them we felt they were remarkable kids.  We went to the store about thirty miles away to find gifts for them - and ended up giving them art supplies for them to have an 'expressive outlet'.

 

    It was unbelievable how those children immediately became absorbed in coloring, drawing, and opening up on the paper (we were each given pictures to keep).  These pictures will reside above our computers in our office - and with pride.

 

    Our friends and we talked at great length regarding the problems of raising a 'new' family at our ages.  We now knew that the children have at least a chance in their young lives for some kind of normalcy.  Watching them with their fishing poles and bait buckets, my wife and I were struck with an idea at the same time.  Why not give the boat/motor/trailer to the kids?

 

    We talked it over with our friends and arrived at a workable solution.  The kids would receive the complete package - with the reservation that each must undertake a boating safety course, plus complete it with high scores.  At no time were they to be allowed to take the boat out without an adult in charge.  The 25 HP Evinrude was run out of gas so the kids could not be tempted, and the six gallon portable gas tank was removed, along with the motor.  The 14 pound thrust trolling motor was left on the boat, along with a brand new battery.

 

    To make a long story short - we allowed the children (with my friend in the boat) to begin learning how to operate the boat using the trolling motor.  I wish I had the words to explain the feelings we had watching those children.   They stayed in the marina proper and did very well.  

 

     My friend sat beside each one as they began their lessons.  Did I mention that part of the 'deal' with the kids was that they must keep up their grades at school.  After each use the kids completely washed down the entire rig as protection from the salt water.

 

    The smiles on those faces brought tears to all of our eyes.  There is no amount of money which can match this.  Had I sold the boat for a replacement/expended value - I could not have received such a feeling.  The giddy laughter we heard echoing across the water made everyone within hearing range smile.  Soon a crowd of boat owners was involved with this simple act of teaching kids about a boat.  I cannot find the words to tell how something so simple had such far reaching effects - things which I believe will gain momentum through the years.

 

    Did we do the 'correct' thing?  Did we begin a process of pride and respect in these children?  I do not know at this point - only the years to come will tell.  But, my wife and I would not take it back under any circumstances, nothing can equal the pleasure of those smiles.

 

    As my wife often states - "Sometimes you must help others to bring life into a perspective focus."  I add this simply to share something with you - sometimes we give of ourselves in order to receive a greater gift in return.  
And our friends - they are now my Heroes!