They say “kids don’t lie,” and three year-olds are certainly
no exception.
We were sadly off of our boat during this year’s hurricane
season. The first month on land, little Mariana would sometimes cry and
exclaim, “I want to go back to Liberty!” Ugh, what could I say? To someone so
young, they have no way of believing if they’re actually going back somewhere
no matter how many times you tell them you are. “Soon” is equally ambiguous and
there’s not much use in saying it will be one or two months. Having a scooter
and a working freezer with popsicles was little comfort.
True to my word though, we are now back onboard and Mariana
has said repeatedly, sometimes gently tugging at my sleeve, “I am soooo glad to
be back on the boat!” Even in an apartment, it’s not too hard to separate
yourself from others you live with if you want to. The same is just not the
case on most sailboats under 50 feet. But now that the girls have their own
rooms again, they would have been just as happy to be sharing. Sure, Mommy or
Daddy could go back in our stateroom and close the door or escape up top or
down below, but we find ourselves really wanting
to be together and enjoy every second of it.
In this environment of love and comfort, our little scaredy
cat decided yesterday that she wanted to swim in the ocean. She quickly donned
the floaty suit her big sister wore until her swimming got good last year, and
tentatively headed down the swim ladder while we were at our mooring beyond the
harbor, facing St. John. Much trepidation ensued and encouragement abounded. We
assured her she didn’t have to do it if she didn’t want to. Finally, she held
my hand and let go of the ladder while we swam around the stern of the boat. I
didn’t want to freak her out, so we didn’t stay out long, but she wanted to go
out again and again. Later, Daddy overheard her softly saying, “I’m so proud of
myself.” We’re proud of you, too, sweetie!
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