I spent some time at the Beach House yesterday afternoon and evening, the one that is For Sale...and it wasn't until I was mowing the grass that waves of emotion overcame me.
First I was overcome by her neglect or the lack of tender grooming. It felt to me like I was taking care of a long forgotten friend as I mowed.
A friend who took such great care of me when I needed it the most.
I recalled the days and nights I spent there, when the inside of me was a complete mess. I was soothed by her porch, view, sunrises, and the total space for me to just be in a place of rest.
And, rest I did.
On her rocky shore, refreshing waters, cool breezes.
The sound of waves rocking me to sleep.
Her value to me is far beyond market value; she carries years of memories, of laughter and tears. Of little voices and toddler swimsuits, of friends enjoying hot afternoons. Children deep into their imaginations creating wonderfully. Of star filled skies at night, as we camped on her generous porch.
Family gathered enjoying the water, card games and solitude of books.
She was disconnected from the outside, no phones, no TV, no computer hook up....we were transported to the "Be Here Now" space.
More moments than I can count I thanked her, with tears of gratitude and heart felt sighs as I wearily rested on her shores. Trying to find my footing; again.
As I mowed her tangled overgrown lawn, I felt that I was preparing her for her adoption. That soon another person will be receiving her gifts.
And I wondered if they will look at her many faults or just accept her like we did.
She wasn't the bright and shining perfect beach cottage with everything pristine, she was completely imperfectly perfect. Her charms lie what you see and do along her shoreline.
I didn't own her. She wasn't mine to care for and yet I did. At least in the many summers we spent weeks there. In the past few years, I spent less and less time there. Life changed or lives changed and I guess I believed when I had time again, she would be waiting.
It was to prepare a special friend for our parting. How do you say Good Bye?
She will always be remembered with great reverence and love.
Our memories we take.
I had sent wishes that she will be adopted by loving folks who will do as we did...
Step into her space and be soothed by the loving nature that is her.
She is a huge part of our summer memories. Her porch awaits more laughter, colorful towels, grilling smells, running feet and giggles.
Her shoreline, swimming, golf ball chasing, dog fetching sticks, mermaid rock diving, sun soaking, inner tube floating, boat building, kayaking....fun.
My life and my children's lives all have been better because we had the luxury of enjoying our summers at the Beach House. Due to the lack of outside communication we connected with nature and ourselves.
Beauty abounds everywhere... just paddles along her shore.
I can't imagine our lives without her.
And, I am so grateful to have had her this long.
It truly is like saying good bye to an old friend.
