When it gets hot we always head for the ocean. My most favorite part of our trips to the beach has got to be how all the ages and stages fall away and my boys simple exist. It’s hard to put the magic into words but it’s like seeing them stripped down of everything but their true essence. It may be that it’s a place where I let down all my defenses as well and we can just be side by side appreciating what’s in front of us. Whatever the reason, I love it there, at the beach where time simply disappears.
This time it was hot and we had the intention of jumping in the ocean. The thing is with us once our minds are set on getting into the ocean it takes a lot to change directions. We have on more than one occasion driven the forty minutes to the ocean to simply jump in, turn around and drive all the way back into the city. Once we get called out by the ocean we have to go in. Today when we got there and it wasn’t as warm as it had been inland. So we were going to need a little time to warm up.
Play unfolds naturally outdoors for both of my boys. Whatever is happening in their minds spills out on the objects around them and before I know it I am seeing their inner world spilled out across the sand. This time driftwood has washed ashore the most perfect swords and another beach lover and built that perfect fort.
The other thing about the beach and it’s magic timelessness for us, is the conversations. I was privy to hearing the ins and outs of the game they are both completely loving right now. I wasn’t in the conversation, I was on the sidelines witnessing to brothers in complete connection. They were sharing opinions, debating ideas and designing strategies for future implementation. The outside world falling apart as their minds met and wound around one another. As a mom, this sibling relationship that they have tugged at year after year unfolding with such mutual respect and adoration sends more than one tear down my cheek. Being home together learning side by side for all these years has had it’s challenges for the boys, I also believe whole heartedly it’s been the place where their relationship has strengthened
We did get warm enough and decide the three of us, to forge out into the frigid ocean water. The waves were calmer at some point and we discussed the best ways to get past the stronger waves. Growing up on the shores of the ocean we have a healthy respect for who has the power when we enter her world. We use the line “never turn your back on the ocean, ” to keep each other safe. Always listening to our own instincts and respecting when someone reaches the place in the water that feels far enough. We got several waves on our boards, each ducked under the waves and decided to head in when a few waves crashed a little harder around us than felt comfortable. Trusting the boys to know their own boundaries when it comes to their own safety is a cornerstone of building this trusting relationship we are building.
Back on share the boys dried off, changed, cause for as long as I can remember these guys don’t love being in anything wet for longer then necessary. And then they fell onto the towels to share again. Now it was the world of YouTube and the hilarity that it brings into their lives. Side by side on the shore of the ocean laughing over and over again at moments they have both found on line. Giving me the chance to wander the shores with my camera, in hopes of using my own passion to capture a moment or two.
These are the days when I step back and truly appreciate the gift that this life has given me, the chance to be home full-time with my children. Their childhoods are already passing at warp speed and will inevitably end before I am ready for them to. So, I count it my greatest blessing that I have as many days as I want to build up their childhood on timeless ocean jumping memories. I truly believe this is what will launch all of us into the world beyond childhood tightly wound in our relationship looking backwards with fondness.
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