At first just a few days with those I hadn’t seen in years did not seem like enough. I felt shortchanged from the rest of my family group who had already been on the beach for 3 days before I had even arrived. Should I be miserable? Should I be filled with discontent? Absolutely not! If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life it is to make the most of each and every moment that is given to us, and to live within the here and now. That’s just what I did! And I brought my camera along as well, to capture these fleeting but lasting memories with my beautiful family.
The focus of my photos turned out to be my two second-cousins, the youngest whom I had not even met prior to this trip: Abel and Beck. My cousin Joliene has done such an amazing job raising these two boys who each have the most unique personalities even at their young age. Living quite a ways away from any beach, this was their first time seeing and experiencing the ocean. What genuine happiness and wonder I captured!
Abel would run into and then hastily away from the waves, while Beck splashed happily with his mom and Grandma Glenda. He took some time on shore as well to be sure that he squawked loudly at each and every seagull.
Our days were usually cut just a tad short by the regular late afternoon thunderstorms which we stayed to watch just until they felt especially threatening.
Even though it felt like barely the blink of an eye, I will remember this trip forever and cherish the time spent with those who are so close to my heart. I miss you all so very much as you go about your daily lives thousands of miles away from me. Soon, though, it will be time for us to reunite again, and I can’t wait to make even more memories!