If I had to choose one location to stay for the rest of my life, it would have to be on a beach along the Gulf. There is something about sitting with your feet in the sand, holding a cool drink in your hand, feeling a warm breeze, and listening to the waves as they crash that calms my soul. I’ve lived my entire life within walking distance of a beach along Lake Michigan; trust me, it’s not the same thing. Don’t get me wrong, I walk along the shores of Lake Michigan year round and enjoy looking at the water; however, I would not want to live on that beach forever.
Each summer my family and I vacation in a small beach town in Florida along the Gulf. I am not exaggerating when I say we talk about that annual vacation all year long. It’s pretty much what gets us through September until May in Northwest Indiana. The town itself is just your typical beach town, which are countless along every shore in the United States. There are stores that sell the usual beachy merchandise like keychains, t-shirts, seashells, etc. Restaurants offering all types of fare have outdoor seating with string lights and someone playing the guitar line the streets. Everyone walks around in bathing suits or casual shorts and tank tops. I know it doesn’t sound magical, but it is.
We have stayed in the same condo for the last eight years. When we walk through the door, it feels like home. The very first thing I do is walk out on the balcony and look at the Gulf. Each year that is the moment when I sigh and think all the saving and preparations are worth it. It sounds crazy, but I can actually feel my soul relax. Then I always think the same thing, “Next year I want to stay here two weeks.” To date I have never been able to make that two weeks a reality, but I am sure I will continue to think that each year.
The place is magical, but we are still the same people we are at home. There are always a few tense moments in which someone complains about when we are heading out to the beach or where we are eating that night. However, when that happens, I typically just look toward the beach, and for some reason I can’t hear the complaining as clearly.
One truly magical quality is that my grown children still look forward to our family beach vacation each year. My twenty-year old son is leaving his first apartment in downtown Indianapolis to join us. I am sure the thought of us not picking him up on the way never crossed his mind. My twenty-five-year-old daughter, who will be getting married a month after we get home from vacation, is leaving her fiancé for a week at the beach with her family. One week each summer is just for family; no questions asked. I hope that never ends. I can’t wait for each of my children to bring their families to our favorite spot. The magic will be passed to the next generation.
Our family dynamic is changing this year, so our annual beach vacation will be different next year. We will continue our week at the beach in a different condo along that same shore. I will open a different door and walk out on a different balcony. However, I am very confident that one thing will stay the same; when I look at the Gulf, the magic will still be there. Who knows- maybe I will finally stay for that second week…
