The Unexpected Gifts

Greg, Ross and I boarded an airplane in May of 2012 to visit our son.  We were looking forward to some much needed family time with Clint and Quin, our future daughter in law and taking in all of the splendor of Orange County, California.  After an eventful week exploring the area, enjoying the local cuisine and spending treasured family time together, we found ourselves with the last day unplanned.  Greg and I decided to put the power in Ross’ hands.  He was given the choice of going to the zoo or to go whale watching.  Without hesitation, he chose the open sea.  We weren’t too surprised as he loves the water and particularly boat rides.  The rest of the evening Ross continually reminded us of our plan, “Whale watching tomorrow?  Whale watching tomorrow?”

The day had finally arrived.  With a clear, beautiful cloudless sky and calm waters, it was the perfect setting for our big adventure.  We were all excited, as we boarded the sailing catamaran, with eye-spy dolphin nets on the bow and quickly tried to find some seats together.

Ross and Quin were first to grab the perfect spot for searching the open seas.  Eagerly poised and patiently waiting, they continued to watch the ripples in the water, ever so intently.  As I watched the two of them side by side, I noted her gentle, kind-hearted demeanor, and knew instantly that Quin truly wanted to understand and get to know Ross better.   

Early in the tour, a small white whale was spotted.  There was a mad rush of passengers positioning themselves for an up close view, only to find the whale submerged and nowhere in sight.  After a few more teased sightings, recognizable squeals and whistles began to fill the air.  Not those of a whale, but dolphin.  Lots of dolphins!  Before we knew it we were in the middle of a Superpod.  The excitement from each and every passenger was clearly evident as they scurried to get an up close view of this amazing sight.  

The front of the boat was webbed and I was quite apprehensive of venturing across it with Ross.  I was trying to take picture, not get caught in the webbing and hold onto Ross; which was rather silly, because he has better balance than me.  Clint stepped in, grabbed Ross and said, “He’s coming with me.”  Quin joined in as they headed to the front of the boat for an amazing view.  Ross’ eyes widened with amazement. He squealed and had a laugh that could not be contained. No one could take their eyes off of these wonderful creatures.    

Embracing the moment, Clint and Quin continued to point out different groups of dolphin for Ross. Watching them break the water, slap the surface with their tails and race side by side along the boat, they shared a once in a lifetime moment together.

The new adventures continued, as my two sons decided to crawl in an underwater viewing pod to watch the dolphin up close and personal.  Greg and I were both amazed that Ross ventured into this tight tube with no hesitation.  Clint pointed out the details of the swimming dolphin for his brother.  Both of their faces were beaming with amazement as they climbed to the deck.

After the dolphin made their way past our boat and into the open sea, Clint was quick to share.  “Mom, that was so cool!  When we were at the front of the boat, Ross was getting really loud and I was trying to get him to calm down.  The lady next to us said to me, “Don’t worry, he’s saying on the outside, what we are all feeling on the inside.  She was right!” 

Why has this day continued to be one of my fondest memories?  The pride and joy I felt as I watched my boys laughing, sharing a treasured day together.  Witnessing the budding friendship as Quin, so effortlessly getting to know Ross.  The ear to ear grin on Ross’ face, not to be contained.  The simple, yet so powerful, words that were spoken by a stranger, that have stayed with me for years. “Don’t worry, he’s saying on the outside, what we are all feeling on the inside.”   Reminding me that it’s ok to recognize happiness when it is in front of me and to express moments of pure happiness and joy.

I add this day to the countless times that Ross has shown me how to enjoy each moment large and small.