For the first time since my parents sold their home, I am spending a summer week on LBI. The rental changeover fell on July 4th, so the house had sat empty for the months leading up to my decision to stay. This morning, I am out on the newly constructed back deck, forcing myself to sit in the quiet. I am entering the era of slow down and savor the moments, because I count there aren’t too many summers left, and I don’t want to waste any of them.
My niece, Erin, and her boyfriend have joined us for the first few days. For most, it will appear insignificant, but my primary reason for taking the leap and buying this house was to keep the tradition alive. When my mother was passing, the grandchildren left voicemails of their special memories with her, and every single one was set on LBI. This house is meant to give us a place to stop and breathe, laugh, and share. On Tuesday, the grandkids will arrive, and this quiet time will be a distant memory. The house will be filled with crayons, sandy rugs, and melting ice pops on the outside table. Legacy is built on memories, not buildings.
The rest of the world is waking up now, and I am filling my second cup, wrapped in joy and gratitude.
foursetsofeyes 