Saying “hello” and “goodbye” to dreams

The kids step aboard

We got to introduce all of the children to our new boat Marguerite today. Several of our 6 kids were along when we bought her last week, but for 3 of them, today was their first look at her and for all of them, the first look inside. The boat was an absolute steal (more talk of that another time) because of the amount of work to do in the cabin, so we were met by a mix of disappointment that she won’t be in the water next week and excitement for the possibility of outfitting the cabin however we’d like.

Though my husband and I have had many conversations, on many different occasions regarding our dream versus our reality, today was a very concrete example of how our future will look different than our ideal and how bittersweet the reality of boat ownership is. For example, while my husband and I are beyond excited about the potential for travel that this boat has, only some of our children share in the enthusiasm. We want to show them the world, but a few would be content to never have to leave the county let alone the country. We would love to pack them up to homeschool at their own pace and learn more in depth about the things that they find particularly interesting, but a few of them are pleased by the mundane humdrum and routine that their current schools afford them.  We are finding that we are once again faced with the fact that we have raised people; not just children content with having someone else doing their thinking for them, but people with their own thoughts, feelings, plans, ideas, and ideals.  While there is a part of me as a parent that is always proud to see my children expand as individuals, there is also a part of me that is sad in knowing that the extent of my influence is as much up to them as it is to me, if not more so.

The result? We have a sophomore who has no desire to leave on an extended cruise during the school year, let alone during the summer if it interferes with her friendships; a freshman who is interested, but only if he can fish the whole time and we stay within sight of land at all times; 7th and 5th graders who enjoy the prospect of homeschooling as long as they can still participate in Beta Club and Swim Team; a kindergarten kiddo who asks all the time if we can begin homeschooling on the boat yet; and an 11 month old whom we’ll probably put on the boat, like it or not, until he reaches a point to decide for himself.

In short, it’s a good thing Marguerite isn’t quite ready to splash just yet. We have plenty of details to sort out over the next few months, but, above all else, we have taken a step towards our dreams.  And while we’re having to say goodbye to the dream that we’ll be doing extensive cruising as a family of 8, we’re super proud and excited to at least offer that opened door of opportunity to all of our children…and that is a dream come true in itself.