Waiting For An Answer



My Shadow in the Sand.

After 10 years of not going on a vacation, I finally made it back to the ocean.

Robby and I went to the beach with some old friends and some brand new friends.

For me, it was a week of being able to try and clear my mind and restore my soul.

I have been working through some personal issues lately, and I knew by the end of my

week of vacation, I would have some answers to some questions.



Our lovely little home for the week which looked out onto the ocean.

That first balcony you see in that picture, that's where I spent many mornings

praying for strength and guidance.  Somehow, looking out onto the ocean

and all the greatness that surrounds it, made me feel like I had

a little better chance of my prayers being answered.  I knew

it may not be the answer I would want, but it would be the answer

that was right.



Sun rising up out of the ocean.



So as the sun came up, my prayers went out asking for a day

of understanding and patience.  And that if this was to be the day

my questions were answered, that I would be granted the strength to

understand and accept the answers.



Sun setting over the sound.



And as the sun set each day, I gave thanks for another day in which I was

able to become a better person and a little stronger.  And asked that the next day

bring me more understanding and acceptance.

Each day at the beach, I sat at the water's edge and let the crashing of the waves
and the warmth of the sun penetrate my entire being.  I could feel my body
being re-charged and the little things in life that just don't matter, washing away.



Sweet little Sand Pipers chasing after their  food.  They were so fast and so cute to watch.



Our little pet Gecko that hung out by the outdoor shower.  So adorable.



Not all of the ocean's treasures survive the currents.  Big jellyfish that couldn't make it back out to sea.



Hidden little gifts in the sand dunes.  I guess the hurricane washed them up this far.

 Of course, while I was on vacation getting some much needed mental rest, the locals on the island were  hard at work.  The local fishermen never seem to have time off.  Everyday these shrimp boats and fish
boats were out on the water in front of our house.  But oh boy, do they bring home some amazing seafood.
It was sooooo good to eat super fresh seafood.



Perhaps these delicious, super fresh scallops that we had for dinner, came from this boat below.



Those were some really happy seagulls following behind this boat.

Every morning Robby and I started our day out with a long walk on the beach.  It was so perfect being out on the sand walking when it was still really early and not many people were up and about.  One morning we walked for 2  hours without even realizing we had been walking that long.  It was just that PEACEFUL and SERENE. And in the afternoons, when I was content just to continue lying out on the beach, Robby would go for walks by himself.  Robby is NOT a beach bum by any stretch of the imagination.  He went on this vacation only because he knew how badly I wanted to see the ocean again.  But he was such a good sport, and at no point did he ever say to me that he wished he were back home in the mountains where he could be bow hunting since the season had begun.  He just went on his walks and let me enjoy my sand, surf and sun.



My baby on one of his walks.

In meeting my new friends, I learned how other families have dealt and deal with life's trials and tribulations.  It amazes me how when I sometimes feel I am all alone in my confusion and sadness, certain people are put into my life to show me that there is always hope and a brighter day.  I learned a lot from my new friends and from them found a strength and a courage that I wanted for myself.  They touched my life without even realizing what they were doing.  And for that, I am eternally grateful.



Over this walkway is where I found my solitude each and everyday.



If I can't have the mountains to look at everyday, it has to be this in it's place.



A message in the sand for my precious boys back home, Garrett, Reed, Evan and Trevor.

On my final day of vacation, I received the phone call I had been waiting for.

No more waiting and anticipating.  I knew my answers and I knew what had to be done.  I think there was a reason it took until the last day of my vacation to get my answer.  I  had an entire week to mentally prepare, go deep inside myself to learn how I would handle the outcome regardless of what is was.  I also believe I was meant to meet my 4 new friends so that I could take away some of the strength they have had to have to accept and endure the challenges life has thrown at them.

So, I have decided to move forward with what I know.  I am giving thanks for the strength I have and can now help those that need my help.  I know what I am dealing with, no more surprises.  It may be a tough road, but not nearly as tough as others have had.  Someone needs me to be there for them and to understand and support them.  I am ready for the job and I will only believe that things will get better.  Lessons have been learned and adjustments made. 



With this man by my side, there is nothing I cannot accomplish or hurdle I can't get over.

 Upon returning home and returning to our daily routine, Robby and I realized how much we
really love our life the way it is.  It's simple, it's quiet and the small things are more than
enough to keep us happy.  If we have each other and my kids, we have all we need.
Life is good and I am thankful.