This past weekend was a time to say thanks to fathers everywhere for all they have done. The kids and I decided to take Bestie Boy to the lake for his gift. Throughout our married life, Bestie Boy has either had a boat or been shopping for a boat until we got a pool at the previous house. Time spent at our own pool equaled less time spent at the lake, so the boat was sold (and the money used to pay tuition for college child #1). Since there has been no boat in his life for several years, the kids and I thought this Father's Day gift would be perfect for the Bestie Boy. We also decided to keep it a secret.
Early Sunday morning, we told Bestie to get dressed and get in the truck because we were heading for an adventure. I had put ice chest, clothing, towels and other lake essentials in the back of the truck earlier while Bestie slept in. He gamely got in the truck and we headed out. He began to suspect we were headed to the lake when we exited the freeway at Cabot and followed the signs that said 'Heber Springs', but he still didn't know he was getting a boat for the day.
At the marina, they put us in a boat that has a 115hp motor. Now, Bestie is 51 and he is not the svelte young man he used to be, but we were determined the 115hp would get him up on the slalom ski. We commenced to drag him around and force gallons of lake water down on him, but to no avail. The 115hp motor would just not pull Bestie out of the water (God love him).
Now, if you have never been to Heber Springs Marina, I suggest you go there. The people are so nice and Greg is the best. After I explained the problem I was having with my Bestie, he was quick to let us trade up for a 150hp to see if that could get the job done. Bestie braved the water again, this time giving me a pitiful look. I returned the look with an evil laugh and putted off to let the rope stretch out and provide a straight shot to pull him up. After a couple of tries he made it! Two years with no skiing was almost too long, but Bestie gave it his all and skied for as long as the water was smooth.
I don't know about you, but I have figured out that all men are actually just boys in larger bodies (Bless their hearts). This was no exception. As I watched my Bestie, I would see a little smile on his face as he drove the boat around to all his favorite marinas and looked at other boats (a favorite past time). I could see the little boy he must have been-the smile that constantly pulled at the corners of his mouth and crinkled his eyes. He may be 51, but he was back to being 10 that day. I was the proud momma of two boys that day - my own son (age 19) and my husband (really 51, but age 10 again for that 1 day).
As mothers, we know the joy of seeing our children enjoy a gift we have given them. As a wife, I knew that joy this weekend and seeing Bestie enjoy this gift was just as good as seeing the kids enjoy theirs at Christmas. But this begs to question - what do we get him next year to top this??
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