I would count down the days as soon as we got to the beach, savoring each day and dreading when it would all come to an end. Waking up in the morning, I’d think, “We’ve got five left; still a lot of time.” By the end of the week, I’d lament the last 24 hours, gathering shells, driftwood, or any small piece of our surroundings that could somehow keep me tethered to our stay. While packing our belongings back into our cars, I’d go from room to room, now empty, imagining all of us still set up, fighting tears that I’d probably feel silly explaining.
Our family’s annual beach week started when I was little, first at Kiawah, then at Isle of Palms, and finally at Folly. We’d all pile in a few cars with clothes, beach gear, and food for the entire week ( thank you, Mom), heading to a week of sand digging, body surfing, exploring, game playing, eating, drinking, and laughing. It was a time for all of us to be together, unencumbered by the demands and diversions of everyday life.
We’d eat breakfast, hang out at the beach, come back for lunch, spend the rest of the day at the beach, and then retreat to the house for dinner and games. The days and nights stretched before us, an uninterrupted dance of activity; sleep wasn’t high on our list. We packed both adventure and relaxation into every day–and, sometimes heated debate:)
We still return to the beach (for a time, it was to the mountains), coming together to build on family relationships, catch up on each other’s lives, and enjoy the company of the people who love you no matter what. This year, we had some family staying, some visiting, friends coming and going–the usual moments of calm backdropped against frenzied action. It proved, again, to be a joyful respite from our typical existence.
Our stay ended today, the countdown still a part of my waking routine. I didn’t collect shells or mementos to remind me, just memories. I did, however, go from room to room, taking in the barrenness that was once a full, lively cacophony of our family. Truth be told, I held back tears…because they’d be hard to explain.
Quote of the Day:
‘The secret to having it all is realizing you already do.”
Designs on Life 