A Lake Story
Featured in the Dayton Daily News
“I’ll drive,” I said with authority. No one said a word, and I took the wheel of the pontoon boat. Underwhelming, you might think; but in reality, I was about to break my own family version of the glass ceiling. My husband’s family has owned a house on Lake Lakengren, a small man-made lake just outside of Eaton, Ohio for almost 50 years. Without the expansive lands of a Norris, or the house boat possibilities of a Cumberland, Lake Lakengren is a hidden gem in the world of vacation spots. Nestled between the farmlands of eastern Ohio, the Spirit of Lakengren seems to mirror the humility, friendliness and family centered spirit of the surrounding corn fields. Mornings allow cozy awakenings with the sunrise bringing glisten and magic to the stirring waters. Birds sing songs of celebration. Neighbors wave every time, and nowhere is a sunset painted with strokes of vibrant and varied color. This beloved place offers the perfect opportunity for respite, gathering and recharge of life batteries. Now experienced by the fourth generation, “The Lake” has become our family’s most cherished place on earth. We call Lakengren, “A hunk of Heaven.” Having said that, “The Lake” has certain traditions. Historically, tree trimming, chain sawing, and bonfire maintenance have been left to the menfolk. I can’t really say I’ve longed for the opportunity to split logs, so I embrace the prospect for the men in our family to go at it regarding matters of the land. Also, when it’s time to relax for a crowded pontoon boat ride, usually one of the guys takes his position at the helm, settling into the captain’s chair while the rest of us manage the cooler making sure everyone’s thirst needs are met. That is, until just recently. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. There were enough cotton white clouds dancing around the brilliant sun to give us respite from the piercing rays. The wind blew any glistening sweat from taking hold on our summer exposed skin. Our children’s children giggled with delight as they anticipated a boat filled stroll around the lake. Summer was in full bloom.
I sat my usual place, you know, along the padded bench in the rear. Something in me unknowingly rose up giving unconscious empowerment. I got up, repositioned my sun protecting visor, and simply took my place in the captain’s chair. “I’ll drive.”
As I sat tall in the driver’s seat, the reaction from the others on the boat was notable. No one really cared. The conversation continued, fellowship and fun persisted, and the nautical tour around the familiar sights was uneventful. Everyone seemed relaxed and at ease as I gave the engine a not so mighty workout. I suppose it didn’t matter that my speed topped off at just under 15 mph, or that the boat ride would have been appropriate for my dad’s assisted living neighbors. What mattered was that we were together enchanted by the charm of Lakengren. We made our way back to the house, towels and life jackets heaped over our arms and shoulders. The day progressed as usual, immersed in the allure burrowed beneath the tall sway of the trees. I walked by the dormant chain saw and smiled to myself. Empowerment doesn’t have to be loud and brash. Sometimes all we have to say is, “I’ll drive.”