I sat alone on the bench and watched the moon rise over Skaneateles Lake and saw its reflection dance across the water.

Wednesday, Jan. 11 was warm and pleasant, much like Harriet Wiles, an unexpected gift for this time of year.

As I sat by the lake after my walk that evening my thoughts were of her. What an outstanding woman. As I thought of her, I cried.

Harriet Wiles and Peter Sr., of Midlakes Navigation, had a profound influence on my life, one that should be shared. Many people guide us on our path in life and she was truly one of those.

As I dried my eyes I smiled, remembering the first time I met her and Skipper (Peter Sr.) I was five years old and on a field trip with Mrs. Abrams' kindergarten class.

It was a rainy, dreary early summer day just before school let out and my class was taking the mail boat around the lake.

Skipper piloted the Barbara as Harriet passed around steaming cups of cocoa and cookies, wearing her apron and the kindest smile I had ever seen. We each took a turn sitting on Skipper's lap, piloting the mail boat.

What a memory. As rain tapped gently on the roof, who knew that decades later I would have the chance to pilot the very same boat and deliver the mail; just one of the many hats I wore at Midlakes during my 13 years there.

That same smile and warm heart was always present. I loved to listen to Harriet's stories. Believe me, if you know the Wileses, there are lots of stories. To listen to her spin a tale of Skipper and Dan and Tom Beardsley's hijinks on the Emita (in their younger days) or the twins (Hattie and Libby) and Sarah and Peter was enthralling.

Over the years I got to know the family quite well through Harriet's stories.

The amazing part to me was the sparkle in her eyes and laughter she enjoyed as she recalled each cherished memory, as if it had just happened.

Skipper had a 1931 35-foot Matthews cruiser on which he spent a great deal of time cruising the Erie Canal, visiting friends along the way.

Harriet spent a week one summer with Skipper, cruising the Erie and catching up with old friends and bonding with her First Mate (a nautical term) Skipper.

To this day I can still remember every detail of the trip, and the tears streaming down her cheeks as she laughed, recalling an incident with a deck hand named Craig, who agitated Skipper to wit's end.

In Harriet's living room, one wall is completely covered with pictures of family and friends, each one a framed story of her love of family and life.

Thank you, Harriet, for all the wonderful stories; how many times did you light up a room with laughter relating one of the great Wiles' moments.

Sarah, Peter, Dan, Hattie and Libby, as long as there are stories to share about Harriet and Skipper, she will always be alive in everyone's heart.

Couch is a former employee of

Midlakes Navigation