Two Kid Schoolhouse
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Jul. 4, 2006
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Serendipity
According to the online Merriam-Webster dictionary: the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for. Some might prefer the term providence: divine guidance or care.
Whatever. Right now the kids and I are reading Swallows and Amazons, a lovely book about a group of siblings on summer holiday, with a "desert" island (the story is set in England's Lake District) and a sailboat. It is a wonderful book; they want me to read some RIGHT NOW, and when I'm not reading (or they are engaged in chores or meals) they are playing it. I hear "Sail's the thing" frequently throughout the day.
So it was quite serendipitous or providential that we were invited to go sailing today. It was the kids' first time on a sailboat.
Now, I wasn't surprised that J jumped at the chance. E, I thought, would be hesitant. In fact, I was counting on that because I despise small boats. I dislike water intensely. I do fear drowning. I also get seasick. So I thought "hmmm, maybe she won't want to go, then I don't have to." But she wanted to, very much!
OK, I could have stayed home. I wanted to stay home. But more than that, I wanted to show the kids that we can and should try new things, even things we think we dislike. I also thought someone might get scared at the last minute, or sick, and it'd be good to have another adult around. I tossed a book in the car so I'd have reading material, just in case. I also took a large quantity of foul-weather gear.
I was hopeful when, as we were walking out the door, C said "I think I just heard thunder."
The day on the river was gorgeous. Enough sunshine to be warm, but not scorching. Enough breeze to move a boat, but not gusty. The kids had a wonderful time. E never stopped smiling. They got to see the boat parts described in the book. They got to ask questions and hold on to rope, and steer.
I still don't like small boats, and there were a hundred other things I'd rather have spent my time on today. But I'm so glad I didn't miss the joy on my kids' faces while they were enjoying their sail!
"Sail's the thing!"
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Musings of a slacker homeschool Mom
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