The boat is afloat with a flood of emotions

Today my dad pulled the old Evinrude motor out for the first time this summer and plunked it on the back of the little Sea Nymph fishing boat. Both, I know well. I grew up with that fishing boat and motor. And I spent countless hours of my childhood in the front of that boat, with one arm dangling just skimming the water, thinking about everything and nothing.

Now, it's a favorite spot of my two children, Carter and Tatum. So, today, when my dad asked for volunteers to hop in for a ride, they both scored seats. My dad turned to me standing on the dock and asked if I wanted to go, too. At the time, I wasn't feeling sentimental. Instead, I dreamed of the quiet time I was about to enjoy while they motored around the lake. Just me and my book ... ahhh. I'd take a pass on the ride, I said.

But before I turned to settle into the chair, I was caught off guard by something that pulled me back to my childhood. I watched them as my dad rowed the boat away from the dock. He turned toward the motor and tugged the pull-rope. Nothing. He tried again. A couple of grumbles from the motor. He pulled a third time, and the roar of the outboard motor filled the air. And with that familiar sound, my eyes filled and almost spilled over. I don't know what came over me. I looked at my two children, and either one of them could have been me all those years ago. My son, parked in my favorite spot right up front. And my daughter, looking at the water anticipating the thrill of the ride. It truly took my breath away.

I stood there taking in the moment waving to them. As quickly as I was pulled back in time, I was pushed right back to reality. "Mom!" Carter called. "Why do you have that weird look on your face?" That's my boy.

"You are all so cute," I shouted back.

It was true, and it was more than that, too. In that instant, I was filled with so many childhood memories crowding my brain. I loved that boat, its ancient motor and all the adventures we went on with it. I loved that guy driving the boat around the lake — now with my two crazy kids aboard. But most of all, I was filled with the gratitude that my children know that same love.