Beaches

In the last year, I have been to the Southeast Atlantic coast, the Southwest Pacific coast, and the Northwest Pacific Coast. This weekend I went to the Gulf Coast, as in the coast of Texas along the Gulf of Mexico.

I found this ocean very different from the Pacific or Atlantic. I have been to the Gulf before in the western Caribbean where the water is clear and warm, but I thought since it was in the United States it must be murky and cold as has been my experience with both the Pacific and Atlantic in this country. It was murky, but it was warm and the sand was soft.

Because I was with my grandchildren, I had the chance to see it all through a child's eyes.


Their wonder at each new shell they found, or each sparkly rock on shore, the birds, the soft sand, and the live snail that was found, made the experience fresh and new.


Most of all was the utter joy they expressed as they jumped and dived in the waves. I sat on shore watching beneath my shade and sunscreen, afraid to even get out in the sun and water. Suddenly I couldn't stand it any longer and I ripped off my protective clothes to reveal the swimsuit I had hidden underneath. I jumped in the water with the kids and found myself rolling in the sand and trying to float on top of the waves.

Later that night, as I changed out of my wet suit, one lone shell and piles of sand spilled on the bathroom floor. What a great day, I thought! I hope I have more days like this where I become such a part of the sea and beach that I take home piles of sand and shells as reminders of where I have been.