which I suppose I am old-fashioned enough to believe in. Few things can match the pleasure, the fulfillment, of a father teaching his son. My first experience with a canoe was in the rivers of Nova Scotia. We had an old red Coleman, probably a 16 footer. I don't remember much about the J stroke practice or the safety lessons. I simply have a memory of a voice from the back of the boat: "Isn't it peaceful here?" I think that was just before we hits the rocks.
Adam got his very own paddle for his birthday this year. He is turning 5. And before those imitation thrills which pass themselves off as adventure get hold of a boy (or a man), he should have a taste of the real thing. So we practiced some strokes, we did a few tandem runs to get the feel. We got to feel how the boat moves when you take a wave broadside, and then the careful explanation and technique of the preferred method: you take a wave head on.
And then you go solo.
When you are 5 years old and captain of the boat, you can be anything - an admiral, an adventurer, a voyageur exploring the wilds. You can shout "ahoy" at the top of your lungs. There is a place where you can go out into the deeper waters, over your head. It's okay - I'm close by, and it's not over my head.
If you get in trouble, don't worry too much.
Your Father is close.
The water might be over your head, but it's not over His.
I hope you will remember that in the years to come.
Beautiful, Joseph. Just beautiful.
Posted by: The Sheepcat | July 23, 2008 at 07:19 PM
What The Sheepcat said.
Thank you.
Posted by: Susan | July 23, 2008 at 10:46 PM
i miss canoeing
Posted by: anthony | July 24, 2008 at 03:59 AM
Joe, you have a way of teaching lessons in such a down to earth, concrete yet very abstract way. I love it,
Shirley
Posted by: shirely Perry | July 24, 2008 at 01:55 PM
What both the Sheepcat and Shirley said. :)
Posted by: Leslie | July 24, 2008 at 02:27 PM