The year is 1990. I have just arrived at my new house. As a three-year-old I am terrified of what to expect from this unfamiliar place. However, my eyes are soon drawn to the vast lake that bends around the boundaries of the yard. I think to myself, this could be fun!

***

As a child, I was enthralled by water. My expression must have been one of sheer agony when I was told that our new house would not have a pool. My parents were wrong. I had a larger pool than any child could imagine: the lake.

At an older age, I was allowed to swim in the water as I pleased. My big brother would take me out on our boat, and I would squirm with joy as the wind swept my hair back and the water misted my face. I found a new love of tubing, and although I was not the most graceful at it, I learned how to ski as well.

When I was seven, I had a few friends over after our soccer game. We took our rafts out and floated back into the bay. Before long, the three of us had encountered a creature. At first glance, it appeared as though the animal was dead. But after a moment, it started to stretch out. When I saw that it was a baby deer, I fetched my brothers to rescue it. Our mom made us put it back eventually, but it was still an amazing experience.

The same year, I began sailing lessons. I was not very good at catching on to the techniques, but I had a great time pretending. My social skills were thoroughly developed, and I learned how to respect my instructors. My brothers were also enrolled in sailing classes, so our parents bought us two boats.

By the time I was in junior high, I had completely forgotten everything from sailing school. Not wanting the boats to go to waste, my friends and I would leave the sails behind and use them as paddle boats. One time, we paddled the entire length of my lane. The sun had gone down, and there was not enough light to make the return trip. We decided to dock at a friend's house and just walk home. None of our parents were very happy, but it was still an accomplishment for us.

Each year on the Fourth of July, we would take our boat out and watch as the magnificent colors from the sky reflected on the rippled water. Those were nights of unmatchable splendor.

Lake Springfield was one of the most significant forms of entertainment during my childhood. I could make it through the school year, knowing that the summer would soon follow. The lake would once again be mine. As a teenager, I still love the water, and I hope that when I start my own family, we can live in a house on the lake.