Silence. The deeper I went, I felt more untied from the world and submerged into a new one. All around me, the water was teeming with life: coral, fish, conch, and lobster. I enjoyed being a spectator, gazing upon the wonders that the sea had to offer; well, until I ran out of air, of course. I traveled to Marathon Key in Florida every year as a vacation with my family. It was meant to be just a break, though my trip turned out to be much more. Not only did this journey bring my family closer together, I experienced in awe what life has to offer through the beauty of ocean life.

When I used to live in North Carolina, every summer (in July) my family and I would lobster and fish in the Florida Keys. We met and stayed with my cousins’ family at Marathon Key. We would wake at dawn, slowly transecting the water in the early sun in a Boston Whaler. We were circumspect to find the perfect location, speculating as to which would be the best. At last we came to a stop, preparing to lobster as we inspected our gear. And then… Splash! My dad jumped into the water from the side of the boat as he made his way in front of the vessel. There were two ways to lobster; one either scubas or snorkels. While scuba-diving might be easier, it gives the person an unfair advantage against the lobster, as you can breath while underwater, follow the lobster longer, and carry more gear. Yet my family and I decided that we would snorkel instead. This meant that while underwater, you would have to hold your breath the entire time, which for me was not an issue as I relished the time I had down there. While one might say that lobstering is still cruel, I contradict that point of view. I respect the lobster as an equal. I find beauty in the way it swims, and how it cunningly works to outsmart me. It is a battle, for time is my enemy while it is his strength. As I dive into the water to capture him, he is waiting, ready for the challenge. And in the end the battle would be over; either with his quick departure into the deep sea, or with my successful catch.

My time in the ocean has taught me more than just how to lobster, but has offered me a new perspective and important lesson. All life is precious, because all things have a place in this world. Throughout my time here on Earth, I strive to honor creation; especially in situations like these. While lobstering, I feel closer to the animal and recognize it as something more. The grace in which each crustacean maneuver amazes me, and the sound that they make… Click Click Click! Additionally, I work towards respecting life outside of the water to further benefit myself. Acts I accomplish include taking care of plants, my pets, and other animals that are in need. These help me to feel better ethically, and to reject negative thoughts. Who would not want to live like this? So choose to respect anything and anyone in our lives, and always choose faithfully.