I remember

Every man's memory is his private literature. ~Aldous Huxley

I remember the sandy beach, blue skies and the giant waves knocking me around, the water swallowing me towards the ocean floor, drifting my body in the opposite direction of where I attempt to swim. Seaweeds clinging to me, reaching like octopus arms that won’t let go, all making it like a fun ride. My mother’s instructions to stay in the shallow area, the water tempts us with the exhilaration of invented adventures, the unknown and the pleasure of letting go and giving into the waves.

I remember digging holes in the sand, burying one another, building our sand pyramids, dodging dead jelly fish that were washed off shore as we run and chase each other. Following the baby crabs and witness them vanish in the sand.

I remember us watching the sun disappear across the horizon creating different color combinations from day to day and as we got older the beach remained our sanctuary. It never lost its charm, if anything we were more grateful for that escape. We’d wait until the sun is about to disappear and each of us would silently make their wishes.

But most of all I remember the laughter, the friendships and the overwhelming freedom we experienced. It is the bond on which our friendships still endure and an eternal source of hope to recapture the same experience in our daily lives.