I've been going to Maine since I was in high school. I remember so well, the homemade bridesmaid dress that I wore to Pennie and Art's wedding and refusing to eat the lobster at the reception. I've grown a bit since then, not wearing many homemade gowns anymore, and now eating much of what Art catches! Maine to me is pure and authentic, I feel a sense of peace and calm like no where else in the world. I have loved it more every year as the time has passed. Never did I imagine having boys that would one day stern the boat for Uncle Art, but here we are, life does surprise you sometimes.Since we have been summering a bit in Maine for the past few years, and Jackson is now 14, it was time to take it up a notch, and boy did we! One of my favorite days was going out and watching J haul. I mean he has always been an impressive kid; smart as a whip, piano player extraordinaire, and a rival at negotiating! But I was unsure of how he would be at straight up hard labor. I had my concerns going into this, but they were unfounded and I couldn't be more proud. J got up daily, very early, fought the fog, learned to band lobsters quickly, and put together a system to get bait bags done efficiently enough to keep up with Captain Art. This is no small task; Art is a very hard worker, very serious on the boat, and an excellent role model. I've always known it takes a village to raise kids, and I am so lucky to have Pennie and Art in mine. While Art taught Jackson the "art" (pun intended) of lobstering, Pennie housed, fed and put up with an x-box in her living room for 5 weeks (something I couldn't bear to do!). While I worked, Oma walked daily, and Levi kept us all on our toes. But Jackson continued to work every day that Art went out and became a pretty fast helper on the boat.
To say the summer was a success is an understatement! Jackson now has more money in the bank for the car that he is saving up for when he can drive. I am moved to tears with the pride I feel for this kid - what an inspiration for Levi to look up to. He even kept up this blog. I'm amazed, humbled, and more grateful to our Maine family than I can express. I know that Opa is beaming with pride, watching and aiding his grandson from above (and probably calling him Little Joe Jackson). We all can't wait until next summer when we get to go out again and live in Maine for part of the summer. Who knows, there might even be a cottage in our future, on the Atlantic, maybe only a kayak ride away from Pen and Art.
You did good Jackson, really good!!!
....start practicing Scooter!
