The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach-waiting for a gift.

I stood at the edge of the world, looking into nothingness. I came to the sea and stood at the edge of the world and looked into everything. My soul was tired, my eyes were blinded by obligation and consternation. I stood looking into the abyss of my days and longed for renewal. Day runs into night, night runs into day, month runs into month, minutes vanish, until you come to the sea. Time stands still and forces you to oblige. You place your watch and worries on the nightstand and let out a long sigh. You have arrived home, back to the place were worry, fatigue and frustration vanish. Thoughts of chores, grocery runs, school schedules and long pointless days that end too late and start too soon are replaced by memories made by the sea. Children fill their buckets with sand and cover your toes with giggles. Brightly colored umbrellas dot the shore with generations safely tucked under their protective hues. The surf beats up against the shore bringing with it a melodic rhythm of nothingness. The soul begins to sing again, a song it remembers with glee.

Our yearly vacations by the sea have become a much needed escape from suburban life. For weeks the children secretly plan what they will pack in their bags, they choose journals to write in and point out recipes they might like to try. Giggles can be heard far past the prescribed bedtime as they recount the stories from the previous trips. Memories have been made that will, hopefully, last a lifetime to remind them of their carefree time as a barefoot child on the sand. Each year I notice an inch or two has been gained and a little more freedom has been granted, widening the circle of our sandy camp. The oldest will soon replace her purple sand bucket for a purple ipod and cell phone, the younger ones will inherit her bucket in stride. I will notice this and quickly burn the picture of my little girl into the recesses of my mind.

We go as individuals needing time to be together, we leave as a family renewed with a greater spirit. The sea has many gifts to offer, but for me the greatest bounty is the common memory each individual of our family holds so dear. We go to bed tonight to wake to our journey home tomorrow, leaving the sea behind. A tear will well in the corner of my eye, the promise of return will quickly dry it.

Sleep tight my little ones, let the sea sing you a lullaby, let mama's love keep you all the night through.