|
 “Best Father-Son Time Ever Spent”
By Russ McCallian, Aurora, CO
My dad and I used to sail two or three times a year when we would visit my grandparents in Sarasota, FL while on vacation from our home in Chicago. We never sailed anything larger than a 20 or so foot boat, but we would go well out into the Gulf and I loved the experience. I was probably no more than 6 or 7 when we started. He died when I was 12, so the plans we had to one day sail a large boat (40+ foot) and take a long trip ended at that point.
I didn't sail again for about 10 years -- then only small boats at the beach, nothing big.
In recent years my son, Ryan began asking a lot of questions about my dad and the type of things we used to do together. I always would talk about the sailing trips and how much I enjoyed them. It was these discussions that made me remember how much it meant to go sailing with my dad and spend time together out on the ocean.
After approximately 35 years away from it, I decided to "go all the way" and take my son sailing to the Florida Keys on the trip that I never was able to have. I don't know if he saw it the same way as I did, but this experience meant a lot to me. What made it even better was the fact that our two instructors made us feel like family on the boat. We became close enough that the presence of our instructors didn't detract at all from the time with my son.
For Ryan, I think that he was able to see a different side of me than he had grown used to on a "day in - day out" basis. He had grown to know the very busy, often hurried, and probably stressed dad that we all become. From the time that we arrived in Duck Key, I think he saw in me the kid that I was with my dad.
I think that both he and I will always remember our relationship being at its best for those 9 days.
There has been more than one occasion since our trip where my son or I have doubted ourselves in challenging times. I know that for me personally, I can always reflect back on how we sailed alone for two days on a 40-foot boat out in the ocean (without the instructors), and if I could handle that I can handle anything that comes at me landside. I've also used that with Ryan when he feels stressed or challenged.
Sailing the Hunter 44 alone and together was the most memorable moment of my life as his father. He now has a gift that he can use and enjoy for the rest of his life. And I have both a gift and a memory that will remain forever.
The best part of all this was the opportunity to recapture and share a dream that was put on hold for 35 years. I am so glad that I took the time to grow young again and sail.
Editor’s Note: As a follow-up, the author added that he and Ryan had made such good friends with their Offshore instructors at Hawk’s Cay that they’ve gone back to visit and sail with them several times since taking their course.
|