The Zen Of My Sons On A Beach
The boys have a two-week spring break every year. It's great. Long enough to do something special, as well as rest and refortify.
This year we chose to drive to Anaheim, California, and hit some theme parks. The drive was only nine hours with Leadfoot Ross at the helm. Chris and I have become pros at delicately balancing nutritional needs with dehydration while on the road to minimize needless bathroom breaks. The kids are fine.
My fears about having a "caboose" child were vividly realized on this vacation. I always wanted to have children close together to avoid the "Space Mountain vs. Tea Cups" dilemma. Oldest Boy [12] and Middle Boy [10] had a blast riding thrill rides with their father. Four-Year-Old-Boy and I spent a lot of time perusing gift shops, buying trinkets and toys he didn't need, and eating over-priced snacks. He was completely overwhelmed by the noise, the music, the characters and the intensity of all things animated and robotic.
The sun even seemed to shine painfully brighter for the four-year-old. He selected a pair of pink, bejeweled High School Musical sunglasses that he now wears all the time.
We were in California for a week and managed to hit Disneyland, California Adventure, SeaWorld and Universal Studios, in spite of the fact that we were all battling a virus. The same virus I'm certain attacks all families as they embark on a much anticipated and valued family vacation. We medicated. Problem Solved.
[A medicated family is a happy family!]
We spent our final day of vacation on the beach. Even though it was cool and breezy, the boys enjoyed flirting with the water and playing in the sand. I sat on some rocks, taking a few photos and video, and minding our things. I occasionally irritated all four of my white fellas when I interrupted their fun to reapply sunscreen, or remind Oldest Boy to check his blood sugar, snack or reattach his pump for a quick bolus of insulin.
My interruptions didn't affect them for long...
[Chris and the boys - JOY!]
As I sat looking at the ocean and smelling the air, I looked up at the sky and thought of my grandmother. She passed away in August 2009. Before she died, she promised that if she was able [without scaring me], she would contact me after her death to give me the real scoop. I summoned her, sitting there on those rocks. Can you hear me, Mamaw? Please answer me. I've been waiting for months. Where are you? You promised. There are so many things I need to talk with you about...
I waited, and still, nothing. I miss her. I need advice about some specific issues, and her thoughts on some general ones. Sitting on those rocks, my mind meandered and bounced. I thought about the past, the present, the future. I continued to knock on Heaven's door...seeking Mamaw.
Then...I think I heard something. It was probably my own voice, but allow me to pretend it was her's. She gently said, Shhh. I'm watching those wonderful boys play on the beach. I suggest you do the same.