Reservations for one

Reservations for One

Two places strike my fancy when it comes to relaxation and peace. Although, there is only one of these places that I am able to visit on a regular basis. Growing up on the coast, I found the beach hypnotizing. As a child, I would go to build sand castles, search for seashells, and the most exciting, to try to beat the waves to the sandy beach. As I got older, I developed an entire different outlook of what the beach represented to me.

After my brother passed away, I spent as much time as possible in Texas with family. I was dealing with the loss of my beloved brother and did not want to go home and deal with the horror of my marriage, too. I would find myself drifting to the beach on those warm sunny days that come so easily to the Texas coast.

As I drove to a nice secluded area, I would take notice of the boats in the distance. They seemed so far away, but at the same time, so near. As I stopped the car, I would think about what type of boat that could have been, floating so freely in the ocean. But then I would step out of the car, into the warm, bright sunshine, and it washed away all other thoughts. I'd grab a lawn chair and towel out of the back of the car, a relaxing smile on my face. The very first thing I would do was take my shoes off. I love to feel the warm sand under my toes as the sun beat down on my face. I would sit in my chair, put some tanning oil on and enjoy the tranquility the wind and sun brought.

For hours I would remain in a state of relaxation. I would listen to the sounds of the sea gulls above and the salty waves rolling onto the shore. I could hear children laughing as they played in the waves along the beach, or flew kites in the warm breeze. Enjoying the wonderful place where we can all be children, no matter what our age may be.

This brings me to my second favorite place...my memories. Surprisingly enough, my favorite would be taking my children to the beach for the first time. Being born in Arkansas, they had never seen more than a picture of a beach. To watch them chase the sea gulls, search for shells, and splash in the waves, was a peacefulness unexplained by words. I may not be able to visit the beach regularly, but my memory is a resort that I have reservations for everyday, my very own paradise.

Michelle