The trembling awe in my sons’ voice as he asked me “Mom, is this the ocean?” made tears come to my eyes as the hot, July sun beat down upon us as making our little family of three seem so insulated and very far from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

We spent the day at the lake frolicking in the cold waves, watching Jamie chase those dastardly sea-gulls, digging in the sand and doing all the family things that one does at the lake. It did take Jamie awhile to get up the gumption to go in the water, since the lake is very intimidating; so loud and full of energy, never stopping, and I to this day I still feel the same way.

Watching Jamie stand there at the edge of the water made me remember my own childhood. Looking out over that same lake, perhaps even at that same beach, thinking how very big the lake seemed and how small I felt standing there on the shore. Pondering the power of the lake and all the things that lived under the waves, hidden from sight. Pretending that across that lake, which in my mind always was an ocean, was waiting a foreign land, filled with wonders that defied the mind. (Not just another state, very similar to the one that I lived in.)

Driving home that afternoon, left me quiet and introspective. I felt happily content that we spent the day together, enjoying the simple pleasures of a hot, sunny day at the lake, making memories together. I felt relieved for once to be broke, since if we would have had the money to do something big and commercial, this glorious day would have not happened. I also felt blessed to have such a wonderful husband and son to love and cherish.

Taking this photo of my son really made me remember to embrace the wonder and reverence that we all have inside of us. Children especially, find wonder in everything, whether it is finding the first dandelion of the season, catching fire-flies on a hot summer night, or using blankets to make a fort with the living room couch. All done with their whole hearts, and believing in the magic of everyday events that adults seem to have forgotten and take for granted.

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