OCH Member Mark Folkerts shared this beautiful story of love behind this heartwarming video:
“This past winter I built an Atkins designed rowboat, “George”. I think I saw the original in a video at Mystic Seaport. Part way through construction, my dad was admiring the progress (even though he is legally blind) and wondered, at 90 years old, if h’d ever have a ride in it.
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Earl Hall says:
What a soul satisfying combination: a sunny day, a lovely little lake, family times, the joy of caring for the older generation, the thrill of launching a new made-by-these-hands boat, floating gently, quiet propulsion and memories of good times in the past. Priceless!
Tom Vogel says:
Mark, thanks for honoring your father and mother in such a special way. Well done on the boat.
OCH, thanks for passing this video along to us all.
Norman Palmer says:
I was 95 last week and my rowing and sailing days are long gone. In Maritime training I rowed bow oar and later as coxswain winning many races. We ailed the same boats which had. From down center board and dipping lug rig. Last sailboat I owned was a 14’ Falcon class. Prior to that a sailing canoe, a 17’ sailing kayak. Also in 45 two weeks on the three master Velma. Crewed on a low number wooden Lightning and a 35’ Morgan. I watch your videos with jealousy and longing.
David Flanders says:
That was the sweetest. We can all learn from that. Many thanks./
George Hill says:
Last summer, a year ago, my 13 year-old grandson and I bought a kit for a 14-foot, “stitch-and-glue” rowing and sailing skiff from Chesapeake Light Craft and built it on his back porch. Shortly thereafter, his family moved to Belgium and took the boat with them. They joined a small, modest family yacht club on a small urban lake where they row and sail it. The boat is enjoyed by the extended family and admired by the other club members. I enjoy sailing with my grandsons whenever we visit.
Anthony Botsman says:
This is a great reminder that life’s greatest pleasures are not expensive ; what a great gift and recognition of what the parents gave all those years ago, well done all concerned!!
Ed Altonji says:
Moments, and stories, like this do a lot to remind us there’s so much good all around us. Thank you for sharing!
Michael Vaughan says:
Eximious!