When I first moved to Michigan, Nate and I got a sailboat and started sailing. He was already quite experienced and I was just learning the ropes, or, as you say in sailing words, the ‘lines!’ Grand Haven has a high school sailing team, and the leader approached me asking if I would appreciate more crew. Absolutely!

She had a young man, who, because of his size (large), could not navigate the little Sunfish Sailboats that they used on Spring Lake. No matter, at age 14, Noah joined us and we had a blast. He was strong and a good sailor. He sailed with me for about a year.

I told Nate he needed him when he sailed, too. Nate was worried about his size, but I encouraged him to try him out for a few weeks to see if it could work. Noah has been sailing with me on Mondays and with Nate on Wednesdays ever since. Just glad to have a great crew member.

Imagine my surprise when I went to Noah’s high school graduation party. His mom came up to me to thank me for the difference I made in Noah’s life. I was totally confused and basically stood there like an idiot with my jaw hanging just above the floor. HUH? She said that before I invited Noah to join us on the boat, all he was doing was eating and playing video games. Now he is graduating and heading to Florida to study marine motors. She was grateful; I was stunned.

I just needed a crew; he needed a life.

By the way, all that motor work he does now … he’s lost 100 pounds!

So you never know.

 

 

 

PS:  Here’s a picture of Noah helming our boat. I love this picture because we are in the lead!!!

Thank you, Susan, and the best to young Noah as well.