Usually, when I hear the saying, "As you sow, so shall you reap," I am inclined to think of it having negative connotations. What that says about my personality is anyone's guess. I always thought of myself as more of a half-full kind of guy, but I digress. I am now more inclined to think of it in positive terms.
Over the years, ever since moving to Nova Scotia, Lydia and I have encouraged Mitchell and Sylvia to enjoy their adoptive home. To that end we have taken to them to parks, beaches and trails all over the province. We have also taken them on whale watching tours launched from various points from Cape Breton to Yarmouth and in between.
But, until now, it's always been on the surface. We have not explored beneath the waves. This summer that's all going to change.
Mitchell, who still wants to be an icthyologist - I had to look it up - just completed his dive training from Torpedo Rays. I was thrilled to hear him talk about the experience and pleased to see him stretch out of comfort zone and take a four-day course with complete strangers of all ages. It also meant I'd have a dive buddy to check out the many wrecks which lie just off Nova Scotia's shoreline. We will also be able to see flounder, halibut, wolffish, lobster, and crabs in their natural environment. (Maybe even a shark, but we won't tell Lydia.)
Lydia shared my enthusiasm but her main source of delight had nothing to do with the actual course. She was excited by the fact that Mitchell got to carpool with one of the other students, a teacher from Onslow named Dave.
"You rode in a convertible Mustang?" she asked, practically drooling with jealousy.
Grinning, Mitchell nodded. The older model car was quite stylish and looked like a fun ride. Clearly Lydia's love of cars had rubbed off on our son, whose hair had been dried by the wind during the drive. As we took our newly certified diver home the conversation turned to how soon he could get his driving license.
Our seeds had certainly found fertile ground. Now it's harvest time!
Kevin Toal is a freelance writer who is looking forward to his first father and son dive.
