My fondest memory of Tutukane centers on a picture we took in January 2005 when we were visiting Beaufort SC from our home in Virginia. Tutu and Tutukane were also visiting Beaufort, so we met and went walking along the waterfront. At the time, Isaac was 18 months old and Merrin was barely 3 months. To our surprise, Isaac took Tutukane’s hand and they went walking along the water’s edge. For once in our life, we were able to capture a special moment on film. I imagine someday the conversation will go like this:
Isaac: Who’s that? (pointing to the picture on the computer)
Britt: That’s you when you were a toddler.
Isaac: No, who’s holding my hand
Britt: Oh, that’s your great-grandfather Tutukane.
Isaac: Oh (pause) I love that story about the time you and him…
What story will it be?
Maybe the time we broke down on the side of the road, setting the grass on fire, and then squeezing into the back of another car.
Maybe the time we sailed through a terrible storm, and I hid down below protecting Captain Jack.
Maybe the time we got kicked out of a motel and then proceeded to lose the anchor to the dingy.
Maybe the time we sailed on the Chesapeake when Tutukane introduced me to the Naval Academy, planting a seed that took root several years later.
Who knows? But it will be a great story and unlike any other.
Happy Birthday Tutukane. We love you.
Reprinted from Old Man and The Sea, 2008. Britt Watson, author.
