This wasn't just any boat. This was the Cel-Lyn. The OG Hemeon-Munroe co-owned boat split among 11 people; 4 adults and 5 kids. This boat was meant to sleep 6. That was only for our long trips to Block Island and overnight trips on Fourth of July weekend into Boston for the fireworks. Other times, there were over 20 people on that boat, mostly adults, enjoying their weekends off after a long work week. The kids were downstairs, either watching Mrs. Doubtfire for the 100th time or playing spoons. These are only a few of the life lessons I have learned from growing up on a boat:
1. "You can't always get what you want"-Rolling Stones
This was something we heard constantly. There were too many people for everything we do to be something everyone wants to do. We quickly learned to just go with it, or else someone would sing this rad song seriously out of tune. Or, for example, when I was five I had to sleep on a hand made shelf because there wasn't enough room to sleep. You just deal with it. (I thought it was really cool at the time)
2. Always go with the flow
There's two lessons in this one. First, never try and fight the current. If you go overboard, which everyone has whether it be on purpose or not, just let the current take you. Then, try to grab onto a buoy and Jimmers or Bruce will come save you, or a local Wingaersheek beach friend. Second, no one likes a whiner. And no one likes the whine bucket. We were conditioned to not throw any tantrums on the confined boat with 5 other children. If you even began to cry, two seconds later a bucket of water was dumped over your head and that was the end of that.
3. How to row a boat
We were taught how to drive the raft, but first came learning how to row. There was emergency oars on the raft, just in case the engine decided to stop working. The lesson here: always have a plan b and don't count on someone saving you, help yourself out.
4. There's always time for family
It's changed now as we are older; with different jobs and new distractions. But I think we've all learned along our up and down worlds, family is always going to be there. We need to take advantage of that, no matter what. I've learned to try and get out on the boat as much as I can, or to serve my family whenever they come to visit me at the marina restaurant.
5. Live in the moments, not the pictures.
It's so important, especially now when were surrounded with electronics all day, to really enjoy being present. When you are on the boat, leave your phone at the dock. Enjoy the sunshine and the beautiful ocean but most importantly, enjoy the people you're with.
