Dear Diary,
I don’t remember exactly what I was looking for, but as my hand rooted impatiently through the eclectic jumble of items in my purse, my fingers touched a rough, oval object. With curiosity, I pulled it out to ascertain what was hiding in the depths of the endless clutter. It was a piece of coral, worn and rounded by the sea. My five year old daughter had been collecting various sea shells and coral during our recent family vacation to the beach and had apparently decided that I needed one in my purse. It was a surprising and pleasant reminder of our trip nestled within the many everyday objects and papers that collect there. This trip had been something special for more than the obvious reason of being a successful family bonding experience. We had been able to relax and play together for the first time in a long time. It was beautiful. But, this snapshot in time will remain in my memory for other reasons as well. The friendship and care that I experienced from my husband’s uncle and cousin and their wives has left me feeling blessed. I have known them for years, but from this visit I walked away feeling that I can count them as being true friends. I was also given very sage advice from Uncle and a woman that I met there. I will hold these pieces of wisdom close and implement them. I am not usually one for taking advice readily, but I believe that from these two conversations I have found the stamina to push through a rut area in my life. Also during this weekend I received an email from my adult son who has not spoken to me in three years. He is finally expressing his reasons for his silence, which of course, is a very important step. And lastly, there is nothing quite like skinny dipping in the ocean in the middle of the night. All of these things I will remember whenever I bump into the sea smoothed coral in my purse. At some point in the distant future I will get around to removing much of the useless junk floating around in there, but that coral is definitively staying.
Dear Diary .... by Kellianne Sweeney 
Comments on: "More Than Just Coral" (6)
Ah! A fellow skinny-dipper! Those special nights on the gulf coast where i grew up will always be treasured. Thanks for the “spot of time” (Wordsworth) remembrance.
I am glad that my post hit that spot for you. 🙂 Thank you for your comment. Best to you!
Loved the read! Skinny dipping in the middle of the night brought back memories too. Truly enjoy and thank you for the read.
Thank you so much, Sal. I am so glad that you enjoyed it 🙂
I just got back from the beach myself 🙂 had a lovely time but unfortunately no skinny dipping for me! lol Next time, definitely!
Put that on your list of adventures for your next beach trip 🙂