Dear Marianne,
I just read about your son Zac's sailing trip and perils at sea in the LA Times. I was especially interested in the comments made by the writer about the critisisms you've been taking about your son's age and the fact that you "allow" him to do this perilous thing. Well, I'll tell you as one mother to another who knows about children who are internally and exteranlly driven...that "of course you do!"
My son Jesse, now 24, just finished a 3 month cross country bicycle ride alone....I know what it is like to let go, worry like crazy, comfort yourself with pleasant thoughts, worry again, and have to let go again. All the while knowing they're doing what they really want to do and are going to find a way for themselves no matter what. Of course Zac is a bit younger than Jesse, but he sure sounds like a capable young man, and this adventure...whatever happens, will be the most exciting of his entire life and will change many lives forever.
I rode my bicycle across America and Eastern Europe when I was 20...so I have a bit of my own knowledge of what it is like to be a kid like Zac...(sort of...although I don't do the ocean thing!)
Anyway...I'll be keeping watch on the internet and bringing the news to my classroom full of Silverado children who may want to encourage Zac with letters or drawings. We will keep up the prayers!
-Chay Peterson
teacher, mother
Silverado, CA
