Thursday, June 20, 2013

On Treasuring Moments and Becoming Sea Creatures



We arrived in Georgia close to 3pm.  Contrary to the weather reports we'd studied prior to our departure, the sun was shining, the air was warm and not too terribly humid, and not a drop of water lay on the roads or the leaves to betray any rain that may have fallen at all that day.  Because none had.  And none did.

Afternoons at the seaside in the south are funny things...violent storms can blow in from over the ocean with only moments of notice, torrential downpours, strong winds, and then...as fast as they engulf you...they are gone, wet remnants evaporating rapidly with the sun's rays that have returned with a hot vengeance.  And, on some days, there is nothing but sunshine and happiness. 

We definitely had one of those sunshine and happiness kinds of weeks.

On the day we arrived, Samantha and I decided to take full advantage of that afternoon sunshine and pay a visit to the beach we'd traveled so far to see.  Don't put your bathing suit on I told her.  We'll just sit on the beach, and walk along the shoreline, but we're *not* going to go in, okay?  Just a *quick* visit... 

She was okay with that.

Not only are afternoons at the seaside in the south funny things, but the beach is a funny thing.  Give me 90+ degrees and a body of water, and the pull is almost too great to resist...it's like a magnet, or a siren, calling me to its depths.  And apparently not just for me.  While I say that I got suckered by Samantha that day, I know, deep down, and admit only here, that our actions were as much to do with my own desire as they were to do with hers. 

Dress/skirt & t-shirt and all, in we went, starting at our ankles, then propelled forward by the call...by the warm, bath-like water that embraced us, that promised to give relief to the oven that the air above us had suddenly become.

Fully-clothed, in we went, the joy on our faces as we splashed mirrored by those that saw us, that fully-appreciated our would-be-folly, evident in the giggles and smiles of others who secretly wished they could be so care-free, to live in the moment as we ourselves were doing.  Dripping, squeezing out our skirts, we emerged from the water like beautiful sea creatures and found a place on the sand to complete the scene.    

I have spoken of creating those moments for Samantha, moments of spontaneity, moments that would be remembered.  And I have to remember myself that I must work to create them, that I must throw caution (or, at least, cleanliness and routine) to the wind and allow them to happen. 

I hope she remembers this.











9 comments:

Leah said...

wow. beautifully written and a lovely reminder.

Anonymous said...

Oh, she'll never forget the memories you make whether it's at the beach or on the living room couch. You're such a great mom!

JC said...

Why I think this was one of your most beautiful posts ever! I loved the wording and description.

I too have to work on "allowing" moments to happen without worrying about the disorganization or mess that may come with it.

Loved this! A great reminder.

Out One Ear - Linda Atwell said...

me too! what a special day. I need to be more spontaneous myself. A great reminder. Thanks.

Unknown said...

Oh this is so incredible. I am so happy you (and she) had this moment in time to be girls.

Unknown said...

Just reading this makes me so happy for you, for Sammi, and even myself. I like knowing those moments are happening and will happen. Your writing about the heat, the sand, the water....it totally took me there!

Jisun said...

I will dutifully fill out the word verification to tell you that this was just beautiful.

Sophia’s unique world said...

Beautifully said. Samantha will remember this great day spent with her mama.

Cindy said...

SO fun! Creating memories that will last a lifetime. Great job! I've wanted to go to the coast for a while now and your post makes me want it even more!