Anticipation mounted as we drove onto the ferry and rolled down our windows. I could smell the salty, sticky ocean air and my heart swelled as we crossed the water. My mind filled with what was to come and a smile slowly spread across my face.
The beach cottage we rented smelled musty and as we unloaded our suitcases, all I wanted to do was walk to the water. Mom loaded the fridge with items from the cooler and I nagged and begged to go down to the surf.
We didn’t take time to put on our suits and Daddy drove us down in the gold truck.
We stayed as the sky and sun produced their brilliant light show and it grew dark. But the waves never stopped and moon shone on the water, like a flashlight from above.
The next day we made our way to the water, carrying towels and toys and snacks as we walked along the main road, sand on the sidewalk.
My flips flops smacked the back of my heels faster than usual and when I heard the surf they sped up even more.
Daddy and I ran out into the water and each wave that slapped my back reminded me of how much I loved it there. Out of the water I dug my toes in the sand, finding shells and burying my feet. I tasted the salt and felt the push and pull of this place that I would grow to adore.
My child heart found love for this place early, so much time spent in the sand, in the sun, in the place right on the edge of my earth. I could see forever…
I never wanted to leave.
But of course, we had to. However, we always made our way back.
To the place that spoke to me.
I only hope it will speak to my children too…
I think perhaps it already does…
Love it! I have to admit I liked the ocean more pre-kids than I do now. Now it just seems like so much stuff I have to carry to it and so much sand everywhere. I think I need to see it through my kids eyes again and really love it.
Thanks for this
I can relate to wanting my kids to be around something that I treasured as a child and wanting it to “speak to them”. I really enjoyed reading this!
I’m right there with you. I love the ocean. Everything about it.
What great memories. How nice to know that you’re creating similar memories with your kids!
I admit that I’m not a fan of the beach (I’m a “mountain girl) but being married to a beach-lover has made it fun to watch the children (as long as I don’t get sand in my unmentionables!).
We went to the beach two years ago (and are going again at the end of this summer), and I remember exactly what you are talking about. The house we stayed at was right on the beach, and as we pulled up and got out of the car you could hear the waves. Oh my goodness, my heart is bursting with excitement at going again!
Megan @ wwwsunshinethroughthewindows.blogspot.com
So here’s my little secret: I don’t really love the beach. I love the IDEA of the beach, and the water and the sound of the waves crashing, but the sand? It’s just so hard to clean out of everything. So I like to go to the beach and relax on a lounge chair. We’re going with the kids this summer and Andrew will love it! But I won’t get to do much lounging.
(This is beautifully written as always!)
Love. I’ve always felt this way about the lake and being up in East Texas in the country and I hope that my kids feel the same way too.
I grew up by the beach and whenever I see the ocean it just takes me back and makes me feel like everything is going to me okay. Loved this post!
Excellent words and excellent photo. I miss the ocean and I’ve only been once in the last six years.
Oh I just love this!! The water has always brought me such a sense of calming peace!!
Gorgeous.