I’ve noticed that folks from all walks of life are drawn to the water. In the harbor, I see fishermen, families with kids, and retired couples. I see paddle boarders, kayakers, and thrill-seeking jet-skiers. To date, I haven’t seen any other 5’ tall female power boaters out there . . . at least not yet. The boats range from mega- yachts and hand-crafted wooden sailboats to dinghies, and on a beautiful summer day, everyone is outdoors, smiling, relaxed, and happy.
I’m willing to bet that boaters represent many walks of life and political views, yet most boaters wave to each other going in and out of the harbor. Boaters also tend to help each other out. We’ve had total strangers help us dock. And, during a July trip to Port Jefferson, we saw this from a distance on our way home. Rumors of an 
explosion circulated on the radio. That evening, I read that a 33’ Sea Ray had caught fire in Port Jefferson harbor and was quickly engulfed in flames. Thankfully, the four people on board escaped by jumping overboard, and a jet skier who was in the vicinity ferried them away from the burning boat. Sadly, I’ve wondered whether people would still help each other out on land. We certainly don’t wave to each other anymore.
Remember to be kind and courteous no matter where you are or how stressed-out or discouraged you get. Once you behave like a jerk, it’s difficult to take it back, particularly if someone captured it on camera and put it on Facebook. It also wouldn’t hurt to talk to each other, think for a minute or two, engage in a civil discourse, and forge reasonable compromises. Knee-jerk reactions are dangerous, and life is not a zero-sum game with winners, losers and nothing in between. Intelligent people understand that there are always gray areas, and most problems can be solved if you think about them long enough, work together as a team, and dare to be creative—especially after the deadweight has been jettisoned.
We’re happier, healthier, and stronger united. We’re dead in the water divided.