BOAT RIDES!!!

I woke up and something felt different. Wait—then I remembered. I was at the Lake! Time at the cabin always flies by because I sleep so soundly. I woke up and it was probably noon. Mom and Dad had picked me up at the group home, and took me on that never-ending car ride a few days ago, and like usual, I knew just where we were going once we took that turn!

I had a spring in my step. It was warm. I was back in short sleeves. And I knew what that meant.

I watched closely, keeping one eye always on Mom. Mom and Dad were moving around with more energy than usual. I heard Dad rustling around in the shed. Then I saw it—the lifejacket. That was the moment I knew, we weren’t sitting on the deck visiting, we were going on a boat ride!!!

My heart raced. I was so excited—but also a little nervous. I love boat rides, but not that life jacket so much! They tighten it on me until I feel like I can barely move. Honestly, I don’t even know what it does. If I ever did fall in, I’d probably just float until someone scooped me back up. Still, I do what I’m supposed to do. I’m going to be a good girl. And if wearing that thing means I get a boat ride? I’d wear a full-body float suit, no question.

Now for the fun part—”the lift”. They call it “the lift.” It’s kind of like a Disney ride, except slower and with way more pictures.  I might take a flying leap down the stairs. (I wouldn’t, obviously. There are gates, and I don’t even know how to open them.) We stepped onto the lift carefully. And of course—Mom made us wave, pose, and take about fifty photos before we even moved.

But this wasn’t my first time. I knew the drill.

I looked cute in my pink shirt and red life jacket, obviously. And I knew there would be more photos later—there always are. Then, boom—we were off, flying down the lift at record speed. I almost lost my balance, but Mom had my wrist in a death grip. It kind of hurt, but whatever.

We got to the dock. Dad helped me onto the boat. I went straight to my designated spot in the back—my spot, the one I always sit in. Best seat for this ride for sure. 

The motor rumbled to life, and just like that, we were off. The smells, the sounds, the feelings—it all hit me at once. It was overwhelming but in a good way. The flood of excitement and adrenaline. This was the most action I’d had since my brother took me to the park last week and I pumped extra high on the swingset.

It was high stimulation so I covered my mouth with one hand and my ear with the other and made my sounds to calm myself down. It worked. I started to settle in. There was just so much happening: birds chirping, the motor humming, waves smacking the boat, mom and dad chatting, wind rushing through the trees. I could smell campfire smoke, lake water, trees, even a little gas from the boat. It was all so exciting!

The wind hit my face, and I felt alive. My whole body buzzed with energy. This is it—this is the moment I dream about. Out on the water, I feel unstoppable. Complete Bliss!

The sun was shining. Mom was cheering. Dad was filming. And I? I was the star of the show. Wind blowing through my hair, face lit up with excitement. I probably looked like a supermodel.

We zipped across the lake, then looped around again and again. Just one more time, I hoped. I always want just one more time. 

Eventually, the boat slowed, the motor quieted, and we drifted back toward the dock.

It felt like hours went by in minutes, but I wasn't too sad. One more ride up “the lift”, a warm blanket, my rocking chair on the deck, followed by an early bedtime was going to hit the spot after that adventurous day.