Sunset

When the fiery mix of colorful hues stretch across the late afternoon sky, sunset closes in on the end of day, signifying the finality of a single moment, welcoming the darkness as it distinguishes the last lingering ray of warming sunshine.



Throughout our lives we experience countless sunsets, the last tentacles of light drifting beyond the horizon as we conclude a day of journey, discovery, or enlightenment. The sun sets on so many facets of our humanity, casting shadows upon the close of relationships, achievements, or destinations. Are we ever ready to say goodbye? For when we are not looking, the romantic palette of pinks and blues sinks to the depths of the earth, descending to a place unknown, leaving us to deal with the barriers of darkness. Although we know a new ray of light will come to break through the dawn, it is the time left inbetween that creates longing for new breath and the revitalizing kiss of morning.

***

My father called early on the morning of July 31st to invite Thaus, Xavier, and me on a sunset cruise upon the trout-filled waters of Deer Creek Reservoir. We had yet to explore the reservoir aboard Dad's pontoon, and would have just enough time to introduce Xavier to his sea legs before we headed towards the bright lights of the city. Much to our dismay, we were scheduled to be at the airport at 10 p.m. to pick up a 120 lb. package of Cotton flying in all the way from the shores of the Northern Atlantic. Gram, a.k.a. Cotton, had been visiting with family in Massachusetts, and the impending time of her return was only hours away, thus ending the reign of peace we had come to know and long for these past three weeks.

Anyone who follows the story of my family will not be surprised to hear that Xavier is terrified of water. Xavier despises all forms of water, whether found in a kiddie pool, bathtub, or toilet bowl. Surprisingly, he is quite found of sink basin water and will soak an entire bathroom with it, yet water flowing from any other source is completely unacceptable. Fortunately for Xavier and unfortunately for his scheming parents, Xavier is not easily distracted and is quite adept at putting informational pieces together. He connects dots that others would be most oblivious too. As soon as Xavier eyed Grandpa Skip's pontoon hitched to the back of the truck, he glanced over at the expansive reservoir to his left. An instantaneous chorus of high-pitched trills escaped his trembling cords. Yes, the very bloodcurdling screams made famous in B grade horror flicks, the ones that send dogs running for cover and wake mummified murder victims from their unearthed graves. Xavier was so worked up at the thought of entering the water that while the pontoon was being unloaded, passersby on docks and boat ramps stared to see what acts of mutilation were being performed on this child. Adrift after ten minutes or so he calmed down, and the salty tears drowning the inside of the boat evaporated into the arid summer sky.


(Sidenote to parents: Xavier does not care to experience new or unfamiliar ventures. Perhaps carrying a sedative on all future excursions would be appropriate and helpful.)

Being the captain of a ship, or in X's case a pontoon, seemed to chase away all fears of the unknown. In fact, all the cousins enjoyed their turn at the helm, while Christian delighted in exploring the bow and stern as well. He was so entranced by the motor that anyone in his vicinity had to hold his life vest to keep him from jumping overboard. Now, there's a free-spirited kid who refuses to be bound by fear!



No sunset evening cruise aboard Grandpa Skip's pontoon is complete without a grilled turkey dog or brat. Serenaded by a staticky radio signal, Grandpa offered a complete array of condiments along with chips and cold beverages. Grandma Sandy, in her own nautical savvy, unleashed the ship's private stock of booty (homemade chocolate peanut butter treats), to which the young captains heartily descended upon.


(Angie, Christian, Gabe & Sammie)

If only the calming influence of the sea could extend past the hour we were permitted to set sail. After disembarking at the loading dock, Thaus, Xavier, and I watched the boat make its way into the east, the wake from the motor causing ripples upon the sand. Xavier, now an experienced seaman, waved to the lapping water while announcing his departure, "Bye Gabe! Bye Sammie! Bye water!"

Now that Xavier has made peace with his watery antagonist, if only temporarily, perhaps we might be able to venture this way again. We followed the steep, grassy path back to the parking lot enshrouded in darkness. The sun, now set behind the mountain horizon, closed the day upon our adventure and our short-term freedom from indentured servitude. Off to the airport we begrudgingly traveled...did I happen to mention we have fresh picked Cotton for sale?