Lasting memories

Imagine the double pleasure of going to the beach and an amusement park at the same time. That is what we did when I met my sister who lives in Pittsburg at my parent’s house in Pomona California. Mom and Dad had planned a trip for us to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, in Santa Monica California. The park was lively with families, young couples, and more seasoned travelers. There was a roller coaster which seemed to circle the entire park and a nine story Ferris wheel which gave us an expansive view of the beach and the park. We ate the typical carnival food, including hamburgers, funnel cakes, and ice cream.

The park sits atop wood planks and stilts, above the sand and the surf. As we ambled among the boardwalk games watching patrons try to win stuffed animals, the smell of the ocean and the cotton candy added to the charm. I could hear the ocean waves and the screams of the delighted children and teenagers as they rode the roller coaster. We enjoyed the park, but the best part we saved for last.

We walked down to the sand, took off our shoes and socks, and made our way to the shoreline. My father was not particularly fond of walking barefoot, especially in the sand, and it was a difficult trek for him. The cold water was not something he relished, but he did all this along with the rest of us because he knew that this was making a memory. He knew that standing in the waves with his wife and two of his daughters, was somehow a gift that he was giving us by which we could remember him. We took pictures of each other, facing the camera, with the blue expanse of ocean behind us and the sun radiant on the water beneath a brilliant sky. I will always remember that selfless gesture from my dad. We all knew that he was ill, but had no idea that within a few months, he would go to be with his heavenly father.  I marvel at how things change in our lives, and how important the simple things are, like walking barefoot in the sand.