"Are you insane?" The kids protested loudly in chorus. Dad knew better. "We'll get sand in everything?!" The kids continued with whining. They hoping to get their way, but I wasn't giving in.
"Yup!" I immediately replied. "You probably will get sand in everything. Sand is just part of going to the beach. Trust me, you'll get over it." Whereafter, I added in afterthought, "It's these moments of insanity that let mommy know that she's still alive."
Initial complaints aside, it wound up being an awesome picnic! The weather was perfect: not too hot; not too cold. A gentle breeze was even blowing lightly. And BEST of all, this outing required absolutely no planning whatsoever! We just had to chase the kids into the truck and go. Of course, the kids were resistant at first -- not wanting to be removed from their electronic gizmo's and gadgets for too long. But soon after setting foot on the beach, the kids were scouring the beach in search of shells, cool rocks and floating pieces of variously sized driftwood. Or in the case of my 8 year-old daughter, 'they' were wrestling long strands of slimy seaweed right out of the water in order to chase sisters around on the beach with. My 11 year-old -- future marine biologist -- found a fair-sized crab, which she then picked up, without hesitation, in order to examine it further. Dad wanted to eat said crab, but Lauren would have none of that.
While the food cooked on the portable grill Ken and I played Frisbee. Surprisingly, this time I actually had pretty good aim and control of my throws. All of my shots went straight to Ken, instead of into the water. I should have a Guinness more often while playing Frisbee? ; ) So we waded in the water, ate brats and corn off the grill, laughed and had a outright blast. It was a fun way to spend a summer afternoon. That being said, things ended, rather abruptly when the tide started to come back in. And boy did that tide come back in FAST! In response, as quickly as we could we all packed up and headed to the safety of the grass, just in the nick of time. A few minutes longer and we'd have been cut off from our exit. Guess we'll have to figure the whole tide thing out? Worrying about tidal flows and charts is all new for us. We're used to the relative stability of Lake waters.
Anyway, wet and sandy kids -- they were floating on pieces of drift log, at the end, while mom and dad haphazardly threw supplies into the cooler and picnic basket -- trashing the truck aside, it was an amazing evening. I feel refreshed and renewed, like we've just had a mini-vacation, without the cost and hassle of actually having to pack and go somewhere. Very invigorating!
As I walked along the beach, chasing after the kids -- while Dad tended the grill -- I asked God for a little sign that things were going to be alright -- with respect to relocating clear across the country, working new jobs, selling our house and saving our marriage. A few minutes later, I found the most beautiful, perfect, pristine, spiraling white sea shell. It was exquisite, both in terms of color and design and probably the most beautiful shell that I have ever found in all of my many years of walking beaches, in many countries around the globe. To me: this small sea shell was my sign. We're going to be alright.
God Bless, one and all!
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