Vacation Chronicles: Redneck Houseboat, Part II.

"You never know who's swimming naked until the tide goes out." --Warren Buffet

Having Henry "Bud" Schaefer as the captain on our Redneck Houseboat Vacation was a lot of fun. Bud, or dad to me, drank a little too much, laughed a little too loud, and told inappropriate jokes in such a charming manner it was impossible to actually be offended. He was a very tall, handsome man with clear, mischievous blue eyes and a natural born salesman, who could sell you ocean front property in Wyoming and make you believe you'd gotten a good deal!

One sunny day, as we approached the Dam (our halfway point of the cruise), the lake was bustling with activity; boaters flying by us, some with skiers, others just filled with people enjoying the gorgeous day. Dad was at the wheel, me standing by his side pretending to navigate and look important, while the brothers were all on the top deck lazily soaking up some rays. Suddenly, dad calls out, "You boys don't have hair on your balls if you don't jump naked into this water!" My mouth formed a perfect "O", as the oldest brother's swim trunks hit the water in front of us, followed closely by his flawless dive into the water after them, naked as the day he was born (only taller)! Not to be outdone, the middle brother almost immediately joined him. Finally Brad, the youngest, dove neatly in, as well, and they all laughed happily once his head broke the surface. They swam like fish around the boat, as strangers close by, who'd gotten quite a show, whoooped and hollered their approval and encouragement! I looked at dad, my face still registering shock, "I can't believe they just did that!" His grin was huge, proud, as he slowed the boat to a stop and let them swim as long as they wanted. He put his arm around me, hugged me close and said, "So, sweetheart...now that you've seen all three of my sons naked, are you sure Brad's the one you want?" I burst into a fit of giggles!

I share this memory with you, my readers, in hopes that it will trigger your own happy memories. Life is not easy, and no matter who you are or what your circumstances, we are all a little broken, a little scarred, and often discouraged, devoid of hope. Fill your days, as best you can, with people you love--do happy things, make more good memories than bad, and when the opportunity arises, swim naked! Maybe you traumatize a fish or two, should you do so in a lake or the ocean, but it will be worth it! And cherish every moment you have with those you love, for it is those moments you will cling to when they are gone.

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