I took my boys out for kayak rides at my parents’ house in Florida recently. My youngest was the last to get his turn, but was adamant that he not be left out. Here are some tidbits of our conversation as we peacefully floated down the bayou near my parents’ house and out into the intracoastal waterway beyond. His comments are in italics.

Where are we going?
For a ride on the kayak.
Why are we going this way?
Because this is the only way we can go.
Is this as fast as it goes?
Yes (I say as the sweat drips down my face from paddling so hard).
Are there sharks out here?
No (I lie).
Is this a lake?
No. It’s the ocean.
But sharks live in the ocean, so there must be sharks here.
(I clearly underestimated those logic skills he recently developed.)
There are no sharks in this part of the ocean.
Oh.
(Quiet ensues for a bit. We watch fish jump around us.)
Can those fish tip us over, mommy?
No, they can’t.
Can we stand here if we tip over?
Yes, it’s shallow here.
Then, will I get wet?
If we tip over, you will probably get wet.
Good that I have my bathing suit on!
Good that you do.
If we tip over, can you swim without a bubble (referring to a life vest)?
Yes, I can swim without a bubble.

On our way back to shore, some ladies on land said there were some Manatee swimming right under our boat. I looked back and saw their tails break the surface of the water just behind us. I had not thought about Manatee when he asked if the “fish” could tip us over, but had one of those surfaced under our kayak, a tip-over would most likely have ensued. Given his many concerns about being out on the open water, I decided not to bring his attention to the giant mammals swimming right beneath us, but it was an incredible sight.

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