Bliss

I just hopped off the plane from Boston exhausted and starving, but I don't feel any of that because I just spent a glorious four days in Little Compton, RI (where the sun comes up at 5am! - which partly explains why I'm so tired) at our family cottage within a .25 mile walking distance to the beach. Every time I go there I am reminded that there are places on this Earth that are actually pure, quiet, and relaxing. There is a constant smell of lilies, cedar shakes, and salt water and it never changes.

The town has just over 3,000 residents and they just recently put up a cell phone tower...in the church steeple (not that it helps - no reception, but I loved it!). The scenery is idyllic and you can sit on the porch looking down the small paved road for hours, doing nothing at all, and loving it.

What made this trip more special for me than previous ones was that my mom, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew were there. My mom lives in North Carolina and we see each other every few months, but my brother and his family live in Boise so I haven't seen him since my graduation over two years ago.

It's hard being so far apart so when we get to spend time together it's so great, but saying goodbye is very hard.

I spent most of my time playing wiffle ball, badminton, croquet, candyland, monopoly junior, sorry, flying kites, and going to the beach...all with my niece and nephew. We did spend one day in Boston with everyone which was great, but the time I spent with them at the cottage was unforgettable.

I have been around our friends children and have babysat many, but never have I been around children who look at me with their bright eyes and you can see the unconditional love, and that love is for me, just because I'm their Aunt. We don't see each other often and it's hard for them to know me, but for some reason that doesn't matter to them. They love me...and I love them, with all my heart. I never knew that such a powerful feeling existed, I can only imagine how you feel when you become a parent. I only got a small taste, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to love parenthood.

It is hard to be back in South Carolina knowing that they are again in Idaho and it might be two more years until I see them next, but I'm hoping that won't be the case. They are much too precious.

I thank my mom for bringing us all together, in a place where she has made so many memories, and I thank her for allowing me to make a very special memory of my own.