March 11, 2008
The Beach
We went to the beach today. The sky was overcast with gloom but looked as if the sun was straining to appear through the weakened space of gray. Elizabeth pointed to subtle strips of color in the sky above the water…pink, purple, blue. She thought it was a rainbow. The beach was under a yellow flag but looking out over the calm waters, I wondered why. I found the answer as I approached the beach and observed the waves crest at waters edge to an amazing height. My children squeeled with anticipation as they sped across the sand and into the water. In a matter of seconds, they scrambled back on land as the next wave leapt up behind them. It was cold!
The day was fun regardless of the cool temp, wind and lack of sunshine. We older children felt as if our toes were frostbitten but the younger ones remained warm with high levels of excited energy. Samuel challenged the waves with his boogie board. Sara wanted to be buried in the sand and Elizabeth was more than happy to oblige her. I experienced pure joy as I watched my children, with chattering teeth; engage with nature and each other. While I taunted the seagulls with my potato chips, I smiled…as I realized…I’m living a perfect day.
