Back from a few days at Orange Beach, Alabama, where the white sand is deep on this family beach. By family beach, I mean that if you see a teenager, they are generally with their parents! So, it’s a good a fit for us.
I recognize that a beach trip is a luxury, but I’d like to share my rationale for the reasons we think it’s worth it.
1. We are NOT there to show off our pearly white skin! Slathered with high grade suntan lotion and careful to keep to the shade of the umbrella, my wife and I ARE there to watch our kids frolick in the surf. Even at 12 and 9, we are amazed at how long they are content to body board, riding waves in one after another. Pure bliss! And we are fortunate to witness their joy.
2. Beach walks. Before dawn by myself or together just after sunset as a family, the beach walk delivers a unique calming sense, distancing us from routine concerns. I love hikes and walks anywhere, but the beach walk is perhaps my favorite. And in some special way, I sense that the uniqueness of this experience leaves a lasting imprint of love and belonging for my children.
3. Fresh seafood while breathing fresh ocean air. Bonus points if the restaurant is within view of the ocean, like the view from the deck of Gulf Island Grill.
4. Side explorations. At a non-hurried pace, we enjoyed a ferris wheel ride, putt putt golf, and shopping in surf stores.
5. Sitting on the balcony. With an ocean front view, sitting on the balcony day or night with the rhythm of the waves and the stirring of an ocean breeze, my mind relaxes into a better place. Perspective becomes more whole from this vantage point. And as each family member takes periodic turns on the balcony, I suspect they are experiencing the peace of renewed perspective.
So, perhaps you share a similar rationale for your own getaways. I encourage you to create space for them if you can, and remind your family of why you’re there.
Worth Repeating
In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.
-Alex Haley
