Forever Etched In My Memory

A simple afternoon at the beach turned into a moment that I’ll always cherish.

One of our daughters, her husband, and their daughter are spending the week at the beach. (Of course, if they were still in NJ, it would end with “a week down the shore).

It was a cloudy and cool day,  the onshore breeze keeping the storms and rain inland until evening.

A new experience…

It was my afternoon to spend with Adeline and I came to appreciate what a mental sponge a 14-month-old can be.

Playing above the waterline, she learned that damp, beach sand looks better than it tastes, but it still is interesting.

As the tide was starting to come in,  I took Adeline down to the edge of the water and we sat there as the tide gently came in. Tiny waves washed over her feet and she took it all in…reaeching down to grab some sand, only to have it run through her fingers as it dissolved in the water.  It was new to her, but she showed no fear, trusting me to allow it to happen.

Adeline was living in the moment, literally soaking life up like a sponge. And there I was, observing her adding new data to her ever-increasing life experiences. I cannot find words to describe the emotions of being present for that.

I hope Adeline grows up to love the ocean as much as I do and that is will always be a place for her to go to get re-charged and grounded.

After a few hours of exploring, she took a 7-minute power nap and was back at it.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s trip….maybe I’ll take her out shark fishing?

The last picture is just to show off her blue eyes.

Being a grandfather is about the most fun I’ve had in several years.

 

Ah, those blue eyes.