I stayed at the Drifting Anchor Ranch with our boys this weekend. Blake and Red volunteer for a rescue organization. They went to the coast to work with other men on the best ways to rescue people from ships that are sinking. Not far from where we live is an area called, "The Graveyard of the Pacific." It is incredibly dangerous to ford that particular connection between the Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean.
The pulsing of the mighty river and the waves of the mighty ocean causes the sandy river bottom to shift and adapt daily. How do you make a connection of this type when the river bottom changes daily, sometimes hourly. Blake was the Captain of a ship for eight years. He became very adept at making that crossing. He often says that, 'I simply felt my way through. It was like walking through a familiar room at night without turning the light on. I just said a prayer and then felt my way.'
The irony in his statement is that his 2nd in command was in charge while Blake got some much needed rest when they ran aground. If they had not run aground in this place, I might never have met Captain Blake Calkin. He saved me. He and Willard Bond, pulled me out of a dark place of bondage and saved me!
Well our adorable boys and I had so much fun. We went for a long walk. Jamie dances more than walks. He is such a busy bumblebee. I have to watch him very closely. If I see him smiling more broadly than usual I instantly know that he's in trouble! lol He does not walk into trouble, he dances and runs there.
On Saturday afternoon, after returning home, cute Eric fell asleep on the couch in the afternoon. He is such a solemn child. It seems as though he is constantly thinking deep, important thoughts. The questions that he asks me always make me stretch and grow.
I had a sewing project with me. I am making a dress for cranky Lucille Bond. It's an interesting, slightly toxic thing to sew for her. She treats me horribly. Yet her business is invaluable in earning enough money to keep my shop open.
I had settled Jamie (I thought) with some quiet toys. He was supposed to be looking at picture books, and playing with his toys. Quiet time activities are clearly set out for him. I was not watching him every minute. After all, I had told him over, and over, and over again what to do during quiet time.
I suddenly had a sense that something was wrong. I looked over at Eric and he was still sleeping soundly. When I looked at Jamie, there was no Jamie! My heart skipped a beat or two. Then I reasoned that he could not have gone very far. I was ever so wrong. That boy can almost out run a horse!
Blake was in his office working on the never ending bookwork of running this ranch. I quickly went in and told him about Jamie's escape. Without a hesitation he stood, and ran out of the room, and out of the house. (I am pretty sure that Jamie gained his ability to run rapidly from his Papa).
An hour later, Blake found a very sad, wet Jamie Calkin coming back from Carter's Creek. Blake had a very stern discussion with Jamie. Next Jamie and Blake went to the woodshed for a more firm reminder not to repeat this offense.
When Jamie came in the house, still dripping, he was a very sad little boy. I took him upstairs to his room to help him out of his soaking clothes and into some dry ones. He looked up at me and said, "Maman, I just wanted to go back to the water. I love the water Maman. I knew that I could not walk to the ocean," (I was grateful that he had not tried that), "so I went to Carter's Creek. I was just going to wade. I rolled up my pant legs so I didn't get them wet. Then I slipped on a mossy stone and fell in the water. At that point I knew that I was in trouble anyway, so I decided to swim. You remember Papa just taught me how. It was so lovely in the cool, blueness of the water. I finally climbed out of the water to come home. I knew that you would be very worried about me. That's when Papa found me."
I hugged him close. "Don't you EVER do that again! I love you so much Jamie. I was worried sick about you." At this point I had tears running down my face, and Jamie did too."
Jamie threw his arms around me and hugged me fiercely. I hugged him back. I love these boys ever so much. I'm grateful that Jamie is safe!
