Home Sweet Home

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!