AUGUST 2024
A SPLIT SECOND... I had a pretty special moment with my son Blake recently. I wanted to share it with you all. Personal growth often comes in times of stress, fear and change. Almost a year and a half ago, and I can still see it vividly, I was captaining a 32-foot center console fishing boat. Blake and a friend were up front on the bow seats. His buddy’s dad and another of my friends were at the helm. We were all excited about an afternoon on the water. As I approached an area known as “The Race” we unexpectedly hit a large wave moving too fast. The boys were both launched into the air. Blake’s friend landed comfortably back in his seat. Blake did not. Blake came crashing back to the boat. His face hit squarely on the fiberglass bow and steel bow rail. I can still hear the fear and pain in his crying. He was bleeding from both nostrils and his chin immediately began to swell. Fortunately, his teeth were intact, and he passed a “field test” for concussion (my other passengers were a PT and an ATC). Since that day, we have had the opportunity to get on a boat four or five times. Each time, I have seen and sensed his fear. He has openly spoken of “it happening again.” Gradually, the memory seemed to be fading. The ocean: being in it, on it, or near it, brings me great joy. I cannot explain the guilt I have over potentially ruining that for my teenage son. This spring I purchased a twenty-year-old 18-foot fishing boat. My hope was that giving him some experience on a smaller boat and maybe driving it would help him move forward. After we finally got access to it a few weeks ago, the weather wasn’t great, and the few times we might have gone out, Blake found a reason not to. I was disappointed; however, I knew forcing him could make matters worse.
The other night, I got home from work and announced “I am going fishing tonight. I’d like you to come with me, but it’s your choice.” Blake reluctantly agreed to come along. I talked him through the start-up procedures of turning on the battery, lowering the engine, powering the electronics, etc. His first observation, “Dad, this is a very small boat.” We decided to troll for striped bass close to the beach. We could see some “birds working” over schools of bait. Thirty minutes into the trip a rod bent, and it was game on. I coached Blake as he landed the biggest fish of his life. He did a nice job with the rod, and I netted a 38-inch Striper. A few minutes later, he boated a second fish of nearly the same size! We high fived and took a few pictures. After showing him how to safely revive and release each fish, I asked him, “Now what?” Blake responded, “Can I drive the boat around for a while?” Hesitantly at first, and then with greater and greater confidence, he ran the boat through wide sweeping turns and faster straightaways. He had a big smile on his face the entire time. It was dark by the time we tied the boat back to the mooring. On the way in he said, “I understand why people love boats...I feel a connection to the ocean.” I hope this summer you're able to spend quality time with those you love, take some risks, make desired change and be proud of personal growth. Thanks for all you do,
Alan
CONGRATS TO LAST YEAR’S CLASS OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESIDENTS NEW BOARD CERTIFIED ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALISTS
Bri Boulerice
Brittany Kearney
Elena Masiello
PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT Waterbury
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PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT Wallingford
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