As a teenager br my favorite thing br was floating. br I could float for hours. br If the sun was out br so was I. br br I would toss on a bikini br and grab an air mattress br that looked like it could hold air br and I was gone br for hours. br br Floating around the lake br I didn't have parents br or problems. br This was the most relaxing time br of my life, br my escape. br br I could just lie back br and let the wind take me br wherever it wanted br while the sun kissed br my young skin with color. br ''No Motors Allowed'' br assured my safety. br br With a quick splash br cool water would refresh br and quench my thirsty skin br just to let the sun drink it up again. br br You came to expect this of me br and I came to expect br my air mattress naps to be br interrupted by the sweet sound br of you quietly rowing your boat br out to see me. br Those watery visits led us here br to our life 18 years later.