A New Day

I wanted to say 'thank you' to my friends and family who reached out either by Facebook message or private email to comment on my last post.

I felt compelled to explain to you why I would blog about such a personal thing.  When I first started blogging, I promised myself that I would write from my heart and there have been a few times (especially in the beginning) when I was apprehensive about publishing my posts.  Sometimes they feel quite personal.  But that is what I had always intended....for it to be my 'personal' blog.  So on that day, I wrote.  I had all this emotion welling up inside me and it had to get out.  Danny wasn't at home and I wanted so badly to call a friend, but I had no voice (from being sick) and blogging just seemed to be the natural choice.  In that moment I needed someone to hold me...to put their arms around me and tell me that it was alright.  And each of you who reached out and responded did that for me.  As I read your notes, your words of kindness and concern, you were each able to 'touch' me and I cannot thank you enough for that.

I have spoken to both boys about the incident at the beach.  I have always tried to not let my emotional fears or frustrations reflect on my children, so I was cautious with how and when I spoke to them.  I spoke to Samuel first, the night that we had been at the beach.  I felt that he was the youngest and probably the one who had suffered the biggest blow from the experience.  He recalled it in the same manner that he did when we were on the beach.  I still LOVE his words, "I have a new respect for lifeguards"... so Samuel.  I waited to speak with Jacob, not even sure if it was necessary.  One week later Jacob and I were out together for breakfast, just the two of us.  He recalled it much the same way Samuel did.  He said, "the harder we tried to get in, the further it seemed we went out".  He said he made Samuel get on the boogie board and he just kept trying to get them in...then the lifeguard was there.  I am so proud of him, protecting his little brother the way he did.  I find that I am still tearing up over the incident.

The memory is still fresh, but I am happy to say that the boys seem to not be holding onto any fears.  Jacob and I discussed rip currents and how you should try to "ride them out", not exhausting yourself trying to fight them.

Sunday we had an opportunity to go to the beach again.  Danny was with us.  We were visiting Danny's sister and husband who were vacationing at the beach.  We were just a stone's throw from where we had been on my birthday.  I am happy to report (as you will see from the pictures) that the boys did not seem to have any lingering fears. 

Jacob and Samuel are hanging together on the left.  Hannah is out catching waves with Uncle Andy.

Gracie has decided to venture out and catch some waves.  Hannah just isn't giving up!

Jacob hanging with Daddy.

Samuel looking on with Daddy.

Looks like Jacob is heading in...

...to catch some Zzzz's.  :)

Samuel trying to escape the sun on his 'sand couch'.

Gracie

Hannah

It was a perfect day!!!