Vacation

We have just gotten home from Destin. It is a place we have gone to for 18 years. I am looking at all the unpacking left to do, the clothes to wash and the sand to shake out of the suitcases. As I begin this laborious task I am remembering the week gone by. The memories of being together riding to the beach. The many conversations taken place by the four of us. The beautiful sunsets, sunrises, ocean lapping the beach and wonderful seafood eaten in large amounts. Dancing until late with the loud music from the band. Warm breezes blowing across our faces as we crossed the bay on the ferry. I remember everything so clear and detailed. I think about the families that go to party and become numb to tolerate the week off. The little children who wonder why mom or dad is acting so goofy and talking so loud, embarassing them in the hot tub. I wonder about young people who are to be taught responsiblilty and safety while they watch their parents stumble to the room. I wonder about the miss fired words and confusing exchanges with someone who is unreasonable to talk to. The people who must have alcohol in order to relax and enjoy their family or is it to be able to tolerate themselves and what they have become. I am sad for the ones who had to call it a day because sleep was the only thing to give them relief from their pain. I think how fortunate to have a vacation for I did not know what this was growing up. I think about the priviledge to enjoy my family and cherish the memories. I think about how frightened the word vacation may sound to many people because they know ones they love will go too far and say too much. As I empty the last suitcase and put the last load in the washer I am thankful for my freedom on vacation. There are no strings pulling me away from my family. I am not a puppet to the pull of the world. I am free to watch the sunset and get up early to watch it rise. I am free to watch my children ride the waves until dusk. I am free to carry myself and my umbrella without stumbling and falling. I am on vacation and I am truly free. I feel so sorry for the puppets on the beach and the audience who must watch. I feel so sorry for the children who want to feel free but feel the strain and so the kite can't fly across the dunes.