While on a family getaway to Mercer Lake in Florence, Oregon, Tracy Boyd took advantage of the enjoyable quiet and slow pace to reflect on the good things in life: family, friendship, fun, and fellowship.
For mom-of-four Tracy, this quiet contemplation afforded time to learn. She also learned to notice the difference in her children’s laughter, not just their everyday laughter, but swimming with friends, playing in the sand or catching their first trout.
The Portland resident is blind and in the past these trips have been characterized by concerns.
“I worry how close my kids are getting to the water’s edge and how deep the water is where they are swimming. I worry if they’re too close to the edge of the dock while they are fishing, etc.”
Tracy and her kids made new friendships and rekindled ones from trips past and learned that these relationships were like an extended family. On the beach, another mother or a grandma would say, “don’t worry, I’m watching them for you.” Tracy was relieved. “I don’t want to hinder my kids’ growth and development, especially the joy they experience at the lake.”
She notes that being a parent and even a blind parent often requires a closer, more intimate relationship with your children. “The fine line we walk upon is one born out of a real need to keep them safe, happy, and growing in a positive direction, all while being very careful not to interrupt their relationships with others as we feel secure in our parenting.”
Tracy’s time spent at the lake afforded her new friends, old friends, laughter, and good times.