A Retreat to the Shore

A few weeks ago we spent the weekend at the beach on a "family retreat" with our fellow family practice residents and their families. I grew up just minutes from a beautiful beach but have never had the opportunity to actually stay on site. I tried it, and I like it!

  There's something mesmerizing about the whole atmosphere. I'd go to take a peak out the window of our condo and then find myself still standing there 5 minutes later just taking it all in: the pattern of the waves breaking, the sea gulls who seemed to be floating on a blanket of unseen wind, the endless horizon. The more time I take to notice the vast intricacies of nature the more amazed I become at this world. I find it intriguing  that I can still discover new things that captivate me and awaken a childlike interest that seems to have been asleep. This is when I excitedly call my girls over to share my findings and am usually tickled to see them light up with amazement too.

  We arrived on a Friday evening in time for dinner and to settle in and prepare for the full day ahead of us. Saturday morning I was up with the sun and found ways to busy myself until the family awoke. I think poor J.T. was looking forward to a restful morning, but those hopes were dashed by a busy mama and six little chattering girls rushing about and excitedly getting ready to start our day.

  We were at breakfast by 7:30 and on the beach by 8:15 ready to start our morning of sea shell collecting, wave jumping, and sand castle building. We spent the day in the sun and then enjoyed dinner on the beach.

I do have to say that the highlight of the trip came Sunday morning. We were heading out early, but I had promised the girls one last walk out onto the beach before leaving. As we gazed out over the water I saw it. First one, then another and so on. A pod of dolphins were crossing the horizon not far from shore. Once again the giddiness surfaced, and we stared in amazement as they leaped from the water, occasionally stopping and playing with each other. As I stood there with my girls, I took note that this was one of "those" moments. The ones you'll never forget and the ones you'll pull back to mind as you look back over the ups and downs of parenting. For that moment we were sharing a feeling, a love, an excitement. Their faces were glowing and so was mine. That familiar moment of parenting re-surfaced. The one where you know, not just feel or believe,  how blessed you are to know and love these little ones. You take a mental picture, hoping never to forget any detail, because you also know how fleeting these moments are.