A Peck of Gold

Remembering A Day

I set my bag down in the sand, and looked out at the sunset. I put my chair just within reach of the lapping waves, and settled in with a sigh of relief. I wiggled my toes as the salty waves washed over them, and I put my hand on my pregnant belly.

The sounds of gulls, and waves, and families playing in the water soothed my ears. Sometimes city noises, those artificial sounds, misuse that great sense, and all you want to hear is laughter and nature. What a balm to weary ears.

The sun cast orange colors which splashed through the clouds, and bounced off the gently rolling waters. I felt myself falling into the rhythm of life here, anxieties and troubles swept away by the tide like sandcastles. Lulled and relaxed, I let go.

I memorized that moment, the salty breeze, the fresh air, the warm sun on my face, the water and sand... It's all still there in my mind. It's one of my favorite places to go when life is too intrusive. It was one of the Perfect Times. On the thresh-hold of becoming a mother, and surrounded by the ocean - a ceaseless cycle of life in itself, I had such peace and contentment, a kind I'd never had before.

I left the beach that day, knowing I'd never be able to recreate it, knowing a moment had come and gone in my life that was significant. I realized though, that when you are gifted with clarity and beauty, you always carry it with you. That day, I took a little bit of the sunset home with me. And now, when I look at my little girl, I know exactly where it went.