Sunday Morning Beach Trip
Yesterday we went to Huntington Beach. It was good to spend time with my little one. Tina dropped us off and we walked down a pathway to the sand. There was a lifeguard on duty and since it was so early there weren't that many people around. I made sure to put her little red bathing suit under her clothes and apply sunblock before we left. She shed her jeans and hello kitty tank top and ran towards the ocean with her red pail ready for an adventure. The waves lapsed lazily and she pretended they were chasing her and screamed that it was cold. She made a sand castle and let the ocean take it back. We tossed a frisbee back and forth for a bit. She searched for sea shells and ran around with the excitement only a child could have. I sat on the towel I brought and got comfortable. The view was spectacular. There was a thunder storm out on the water that didn't quite reach the shore. The lightning and thunder drew my gaze and I couldn't help but stare out for a while in anticipation that lightning would grace me with a flicker of hope. It was beautiful. I love thunder storms and the power of that storm made me think of my husband. I wrote something for us on how we react to one another and were as strong and captivating as a storm like the one I was watching. It made me sad because I missed his tender touch but it also reminded me to be strong because my thunder will be home soon to terrorize me. Only a few more days and I wouldn't feel so lonely.
The weather was strange. A few droplets of warm rain fell on us even though the sun was out. It wasn't enough to clear the beach but we decided to find cover. We packed up and went to the surfer shack for a bagel and to talk about the day and how fun the beach is. I promised another trip as soon as Chris gets back so we can all go together. She put a towel on her head while I was in line paying for the surfer bagel and I said aloud, "You look like a hobo. I'm just sayin'" The guy behind me snickered. We sat in the shack and looked at the Sunday paper's funny pages. The food was delicious. We sipped our lemonade and talked about the phrase 'pretty boy' and what was entailed in being one. How funny it is that I shape her mind with my version of the truth. I have to be careful with that. We walked back to the path from the beginning of our beach trip and called Tina. She had just sat down in church and said she would be on her way. We sat on the sidewalk on 16th Ave with towels over our heads. The cold finally got to her so she snuggled up close to me for warmth. We should have stayed longer. I wish I had endured another hour of that weather and waited for the sun to come out. Alone time is so rare now. Nonetheless, it was a day to remember for us both.
I miss days like yesterday. They are so few and far between. I connected with my environment and found peace with myself. I was caught up in the serenity of the moment and my worries were drowned out by the sound of thunder. I am satisfied with how things are and look forward to what the rest of my life brings. I have no doubt that the satisfaction I have will last me a lifetime if I allow myself to be loved. If Chris has any say in the matter I'm sure I will.