I've been a beach baby my entire life. There is nothing more peaceful, relaxing and thrilling as that moment when you see the ocean for the first time each visit. I love the constant wind, the sand in my toes, the salty smell and the beautiful views of sunsets and stars.
My behavior at the beach is truly a paradox. I'm usually the girl who cannot sit still. I hate watching movies because I spend the entire time thinking about all the other things I could be checking off of my to-do list. I actually work better when I am standing with my laptop on a counter. I pace during all telephone conversations and conference calls. And for all those who wonder, the secret to my Fitbit numbers is that I walk almost everywhere I go.
But at the beach - I sit. And I lay. And I stand with my feet in the water watching the fearless 4 year old jump waves trying to keep up with the Bigs. I don't want to play bocce ball, I don't want to fly a kite, and I prefer for you to find someone else for your flag football game. I can spend hours in the ocean riding waves, or in the sound on the paddleboard. But mostly I like to sit and take in the view, or walk along the shore appreciating the eternal consistency of the waves.
My behavior at the beach is truly a paradox. I'm usually the girl who cannot sit still. I hate watching movies because I spend the entire time thinking about all the other things I could be checking off of my to-do list. I actually work better when I am standing with my laptop on a counter. I pace during all telephone conversations and conference calls. And for all those who wonder, the secret to my Fitbit numbers is that I walk almost everywhere I go.
But at the beach - I sit. And I lay. And I stand with my feet in the water watching the fearless 4 year old jump waves trying to keep up with the Bigs. I don't want to play bocce ball, I don't want to fly a kite, and I prefer for you to find someone else for your flag football game. I can spend hours in the ocean riding waves, or in the sound on the paddleboard. But mostly I like to sit and take in the view, or walk along the shore appreciating the eternal consistency of the waves.
My Mom always loved the ocean. It was her happy place too. We spent many Thanksgivings together at the beach after my parents divorced and it was the one place she was able to visit often in the final months of her cancer battle.
Last year for spring break, by BFF graciously let me bring Mom and my girls to her family's ocean front condo in Pine Knoll Shores named "Seaglass." My Mom was fascinated with the glass vases filled with seaglass and shells that decorated many tables. Tamira's family came down for the day to see Mom (and ultimately say goodbye). Tamira and her husband, Brandon walked for what seemed like hours showing Mom how to search diligently and find the seaglass. They left her with a challenge to find more and that goal filled those moments when she was strong enough to go on the beach. She was so proud of the pieces she found and I was honored to give those back to the Tate's after Mom passed. It was natural that this was the place she picked for us to distribute her ashes. Our Turtle Experience this past New Year's Eve with the Tate's solidified my spiritual connection to the sea. Especially here on the Crystal Coast where the blinking of the Harker's Island Lighthouse reminds me my Mom's presence is palpable.
Last year for spring break, by BFF graciously let me bring Mom and my girls to her family's ocean front condo in Pine Knoll Shores named "Seaglass." My Mom was fascinated with the glass vases filled with seaglass and shells that decorated many tables. Tamira's family came down for the day to see Mom (and ultimately say goodbye). Tamira and her husband, Brandon walked for what seemed like hours showing Mom how to search diligently and find the seaglass. They left her with a challenge to find more and that goal filled those moments when she was strong enough to go on the beach. She was so proud of the pieces she found and I was honored to give those back to the Tate's after Mom passed. It was natural that this was the place she picked for us to distribute her ashes. Our Turtle Experience this past New Year's Eve with the Tate's solidified my spiritual connection to the sea. Especially here on the Crystal Coast where the blinking of the Harker's Island Lighthouse reminds me my Mom's presence is palpable.
In fact, Mama Betty literally greeted us when stepped on the beach for the first time yesterday. After a car ride made too long by road construction detours and too many potty breaks, we finally arrived at Seaglass. My girls and I have spent the first days of summer with the Tate's at the beach for as long as we can remember. After quickly unpacking, Camden was anxious to look for shells so she, Cailin and I headed down the the beach. Camden ran ahead, stopped at a group of shells and bent down. She picked up the first thing she saw, turned around and came running back to me with a huge smile on her face. In her hand was a tiny, blue green piece of seaglass. Why hello, Mama. Nice to see you too. I miss you, but I know you are always close by. Especially during beach days.
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