The turbulent river water slapped Scott and Maria in the face repeatedly as they each hung onto their oars with all they had, kicking desperately to try and stay afloat. They could see their canoe upriver from them, being piloted by those who had not been tossed out by the rough water. As both the couple and their vessel journeyed further and faster down the rapid-filled river, the couple kicked their feet forcefully, doing everything in their power to stay close to each other while still keeping the canoe in sight; simultaneously trying to keep up with it and maintain their own safety.
As Maria and Scott bobbed along with only limited ability to direct the course of their travels Maria could not help but wonder, How did we end up like this?
Scott and Maria had been canoeing for about ten years. Through passion and determination the couple grew from rookies to adept paddlers. When they had first entered the water a decade earlier most would have said, in poetic jest, that they appeared to be in over their heads. While at the time that was most certainly true, the couple did not expect to find themselves literally in that position now, given the experience and commitment they had made to their hobby. Maria and Scott had been determined to only paddle waterways that were within their skill level, and to continually pursue greater skill so they would eventually be able to handle rougher waters.
When the pair set out on this particular trip the water had seemed navigable; a few rough patches early on in the trip had proved intimidating, but they pressed through with the help of those in the boat. Scanning the river ahead there had been some signs of minor rapids, but nothing they had not already successfully encountered. However, and unexpected bend in the river revealed much rougher water than any they had encountered previously; so rough that they were tossed from their canoe.
While the pair now owned several canoes, this particular vessel was their first, and they were now left helplessly watching as it bobbed ahead of them, captained by a small group of near strangers. All Scott and Maria could do was hope and pray that their beloved little boat would not be dashed upon the rocks and destroyed as the rapids raged around it. Scott and Maria hoped the river would calm enough for them to climb back aboard before they reached the pre-planned exit location. They had initiated this journey and wanted more than anything to be on the boat, helping with the trip. When the roar of the rapids was not too loud for their voices to be heard they would call out encouragement and instructions to the crew, desperately trying to do anything they could to help save their boat. They were not concerned that they would not make it out of the river, between their life jackets and swimming skills they were certain they would make it. The tiny boat however was taking a beating.
Would the boat make it? How did we end up like this? These thoughts were nearly as distressing to Maria as being ejected from her canoe. Her face wet with both river water and tears, Maria prayed for safety, took a deep breath, and kicked on. Even if she could not get back in the boat, she was determined to stay as close to it as she could. Scott increased his pace as well, and the pair locked eyes. Come what may, that was their boat and neither of them was about to give up on it.