The Family Vacation – Without Mom

Last week I went on a family vacation – the first without Mom. I’ll be honest, it was difficult at times. I missed her – a lot. I had a moment half way through the trip of crying on the beach, my sister grabbing my hand as we sat and watched the waves roll in. Mom loved the beach…

But, life goes on and we live it.

My sister and her family rented a beach house on Hatteras Island, North Carolina. There were 12 adults and 6 kids – my sister and brother-in-law, their four children and their spouses, and my sister’s six grandchildren plus Dad and I. We were a multi-generational, motley crew. And, we had a great time despite the setback of a gastro-intestinal bug that made its way around the family.

There were some truly wonderful moments. Moments of family time. Touching moments. Seeing my sister sitting on the deck with her 2 sons, her oldest son with his 10 month old, Caleb, in his arms, simply talking and grabbing quality time. Watching my brother-in-law talk and sing to Hudson, 17 months old, as they sat in a beach chair, my brother-in-law trying to get him to sleep. Looking at my dad as he took in all of the craziness, realizing he was missing Mom, but also knowing how much he loves being with his family.

 

 

 

And then there were the funny moments. Seeing Bradley, 8, bravely get buried in the sand. Witnessing my oldest niece with her daughter, Ansley, almost 6, playing in the surf and laughing, true belly laughs. Observing the look on Nate’s face (he’s 3 1/2) as he saw the ocean for the first time and watch as he fearlessly walked into the surf. Gazing in amazement as Aidan, 5 1/2, never stopped moving. I was exhausted just watching him! Laughing as these 4 “older” kids delved into their ice cream treat on one of the first nights – ice cream smeared all over their happy, sun-freckled faces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mom would have loved it all. And, though she wasn’t there physically, I felt her with us. I could hear her laughter as her grandsons picked on each other, giving one another shit. I pictured her sweet, dimpled smile as she watched the kids play on the beach. I heard her inappropriate comments to the girls (she had long since lost her “filter”). I saw her cheering on whoever was on the boogie board, riding the waves. But, mostly I felt her arms wrapped around us, keeping us safe and happy, and feeling her love for every one of us…