There is a saying, “The captain is only as good as his crew.” While I could certainly go on and on about how this applies to so many different scenarios in life, business, sports, and, of course, on the water, I am going to go against my love of the verbose and keep it simple. I am going to talk about my family—my crew. The people who, while I am clutching the wheel, looking impressive but with my knees shaking and ready to give out, have my back.
This weekend was definitely a wheel-gripping one for me, as I felt swamped. It was my sister’s birthday, and I wanted to celebrate her and give her the thing she cherishes most: time with her family. I know it sounds simple, but gathering a group of people who are all going in a million different directions is not an easy feat. Despite the odds, when I sent out the family group text, I got a resounding yes to the occasion.
I was excited because we, like many families, rarely get together as a large group unless it’s a major holiday. But my house would be filled, and I was ready to take it all on. The menu was set: street tacos filled with slow-roasted beef birria, shrimp, and shredded chicken. All the accompaniments—from pickled onions to salsas to sauces—were prepared. Cake layers were ready to be assembled. This girl was on point.
I did overlook one thing—the old pup. You see, while my food looked terrific, she looked like she had just come off a long transit and had been kept in stowage. Her bedhead was sticking up, she had cookie (dog bone) crumbs around her mouth, and her paws were definitely in need of a pedicure. You could tell she was not feeling like the belle of the ball.
My youngest noticed this and heated pans of warm water to give her a gentle bath outside. She was fluffed, nails buffed, and felt like a queen.
Tonight, we had another get-together with our dear friends, whom I have referred to in another blog as “Cruising Club.” As we ate bolognese and then overindulged with tiramisu (recipe to follow soon!), the kid put food away and quietly cleaned up the kitchen while we all caught up.
Now, don’t get me wrong—the kid is not perfect. His laundry can pile up. I have tripped over more than one pair of Grundéns deck boots. A dish or ten has been left on the counter or in the sink. But what I have to pick up for him weighs nothing compared to the weight he can lift off my shoulders. The same goes for my other son, who has jumped ship to navigate his own, and my husband—the guy who, after 30+ years together, knows when he needs to jump in and take the wheel for a bit.
Your crew is your support system. Your lifelines. Your fenders. Your first aid kit when needed. They will get you through the chop, but also be there on the beautiful days—to share laughs, make plans for new adventures, and do it all knowing you are in it together.
Let me end with the quote, “You are who you surround yourself with.” If that’s the case, then I am pretty spectacular—because my crew is the best.
If you are celebrating Easter this weekend, take a moment to look around at those who make up your own crew. Let that gratitude move through you like wind in a sail, pushing you forward. Then get those boats ready to launch—it’s time to get back on the water.
I, for one, am ready to float. How about you?
