Tags
Life can be so hectic and at times, our lives can seem almost robotic. We go to work, come home, have dinner, spend a little time with family, go to bed and repeat the next day. The daily routines can be exhausting and overwhelming. Weekends are not much better. “There are not enough hours in the day” is a phrase that is very familiar to me. Trying to be the best at everything is so stressful and there are times when we can’t see the forest for the trees. Because of the inability or the hesitation to take a step back, take a deep breath and refocus, life can become a blur if not careful.
I have often marveled at Caitlin’s excitement when she would speak so lovingly, almost reverently, about Higgins. Her eyes would sparkle when she would share stories of her many summers there. Stories about the dinner bell, the dining hall, the grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup…sitting at the table with her beloved grandparents, being ever mindful of remembering table manners and not leaving the table until being excused. Listening to her grandpa tell stories about life and living and respect. Knowing when to just listen and absorb as much as possible from family members and treasured friends. Spending hours upon hours with friends who were more like family, being part of and experiencing the magic of Lakeside…times like these helped to shape her into the person she is today. Her memories are priceless.
I thought that I understood all of this fairly well, because I, too, have a happy place.The only place that I can truly relax, forget what day it is, and shut my mind off, is when I am sitting on the beach. Watching and listening to the rhythm of the waves, the pelicans, the laughter of children playing in the ocean or making sand castles, contemplating among other profound things, the percentage of water that actually makes it back out beyond the sand bars…the beach is my happy place.
It became apparent to me this week that I only thought that I understood her love of Higgins. It has been through the eyes and the excitement of our grandsons that I have finally realized that yes, Higgins is a special, magical place; a place where everyone regardless of age, can unwind and just be in the moment. The pictures and the videos that I have seen this week needed no explanations. Pure joy radiated from their faces and there was laughter and big smiles in every picture. It is a place where they could play without fear and explore the camp knowing that someone would always be nearby if needed. Learning about their environment and smelling the crisp, clean air, experiencing the stillness of the woods, getting to know their cousins better and making new friends…no amount of sand, waves or the occasional alligator can compare to what they have been introduced to at Higgins. The environments are totally different but each are special places where memories are made and traditions continue.
I know that the boys will be talking about this week for days and weeks to come and I can’t wait to hear about all of their adventures. So thankful for Caitlin’s memories and thankful that our grandsons are now making precious memories with their Higgins family.🌲🌲❤️❤️
***************************************************************
You must be logged in to post a comment.