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Ocean Isle 2005 ~
Of all the things we did as children growing up, as the large family we were (two parents and five children is not small!), some of the most memorable moments we ever spent were vacationing at Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. A small, narrow island tucked into an east-west angle of the southernmost shores of North Carolina, Ocean Isle is not filled with boardwalk, people, shops and games to play, but is rather that quiet part of the shore that affords everyone time to pause and enjoy- not all the things you can do, but rather the things you do not have to do.
Daddy died in 1981, and his ashes were scattered to the winds and the sea off the coast of Ocean Isle all those years ago. And though regular journeys to OIB ceased at that point, there was the occasional week at "The Beach" - the only beach any of us siblings will ever consider "THE" Beach.
Mom's turn came in 2004. My heart yet hurts to think back to that time, now more than 4 years ago but seeming just like yesterday. The intent was to scatter her ashes into the sea so that hers may join those of Daddy's, and the plan was made for us all to spend a week at Ocean Isle Beach - a huge splurge for us all, staying in the westernmost end of the island in an exclusive, gated community - but honoring and remembering not just Mom but Daddy, too, could not have happened for any of us in a better way, a better place, or for better purpose. Like a final, big blow-out we could all enjoy, even though Mom and Dad would do so in spirit only.
It was a sad time, but a good time. One of those rare occasions when all five of us alit onto the same space of earth for more than a hair's breadth of time. Tears, yes, for the echoes of yesterday we now must consciously remember else forget their taste, but much laughter and enjoying each other, The Beach, and Life itself.
God is good to us all. In all our pain and human suffering, we are and will ever be loved and cared for. We would all do well to remember, and honor that whenever possible.
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Our rental house, street-side Living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, two bedrooms and 3 baths on the 2nd floor, and master bedroom and 3 other bedrooms on the 3rd floor |
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From the beach side The bayed portion of the roof (to the right side of the house) is in the master bedroom, where my husband and I stayed. The master bath included a great Jacuzzi tub... :-) |
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Nothing like the surf at Ocean Isle
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Hubby fished for flounder under silver-gray cloud-laden skies... |
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... and I flew a kite |
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See? I told you I flew a kite! |
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And a most awesome kite it was!
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The setting sun over Atlantic Beach, our closest neighbors
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The day's end |
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And maybe you think it was too much fuss, Mom, but it was all for you, and our countless, priceless memories of who you were for us as a family, and for each of us in our own turn. Forever, my mother, I love you |
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