The Beach

Well, this is late.

Back at the beginning of the month we took Violet down to Panama City Beach to see the ocean for the first time. It's only about an hour and a half drive for us, so we drove down, had lunch, and spent some time on the beach before heading back home.

Violet has always liked the wind, so the beach was a real treat for her. It was pretty hot that day, but there was a strong cool breeze. As soon as I stepped out onto the beach and she felt the wind glide across her face, she was all smiles. We journeyed down to waves, which were warm and inviting. After giving her a few minutes to take it all in, we put Violet's feet down in the sand where the waves could dance around her ankles. She let out a few squeals, but mostly maintained an intense focus on her surroundings.

 

It was really special. I've experienced the beach and the ocean many times, but in watching Violet it felt like my first time all over again. Part of what makes caring for Violet so amazing are the raw reactions I get to see. Like when she feels the wind - she will close her eyes, lift her face up, and make the most serene face.

Somewhere along the way we lose the joy of simple things, like the wind. We get so caught up in our lives that we don't even notice things that children find so beautiful. They find them beautiful because they are. We've just seen them too many times to care anymore. So next time the wind is blowing, stop what you're doing, go outside, close your eyes, and just feel it. 


Of all the sounds despatched abroad,
There's not a charge to me
Like that old measure in the boughs,
That phraseless melody

- Emily Dickinson 

 


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