Tribute

As we know, Eskimos used kayaks for their livelihood, all year long in all kinds of weather. Of course, they had/have seal-skin parkas, mukluks and clothing to keep them warm as a way of life. Those of us who live further down on the globe need to gather such items to keep warm if we want to take in a snowy day on the lake-which is what I did recently with my son, Matthew.
Their family came down for Thanksgiving dinner the weekend before and he had expressed a desire to go kayaking with me before he left for Iraq for a contract job. He's been there before with the Gaurd and as a deployment while in the army. Those assignments have not been without the hardships, and the physical and mental wear and tear, that our soldiers experience while on duty. His simple statement, when I mentioned it may be snowing when he came, was- "that would be kinda peaceful". After waffling a bit, I called Mary and Lee who kindly brought up an extra kayak for him to use.
We went to Moore Park Marina and set out for a short paddle along the south shore. It was snowing, and spray skirts kept us warm as we paddled with the wind and snow. I watched Matthew as we paddled along and it was gratifying to see him occasionally pause, and lift his face into the falling snow, gathering that peace that I know we have all gathered when finding ourselves in an awesome place that we have paddled across. As we headed back to shore against the wind, I made 'notes of learning'-like maybe snow goggles and a billed cap to keep the flying snow out of my eyes-but not regretting the winter weather for the time spent with my son. I felt it was a small thing that I could do for him as soldier and as my son.
When I mention Matthews service, I am asked to tell him, 'Thank You for your service." I trust the time he gathered at the lake, in the snow, will serve as both healing and thanks, and come back to him time and again and serve as a purpose for paddling again.
To all our soldiers that serve our country- "Thank you."