By the Sea

Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa-St. Pete, Florida

On our way home from a weekend trip to the central part of the state, we made our way back down the coast. We were approaching the Sunshine Skyway, sill traveling along the low flatter portion of the bridge. It was mid-day and the sun was high in the sky, bright but a bit hazy so the usual dancing glitter over the water was replaced by small choppy waves. You know how you feel when you're in the woods? I asked my husband.  He looked at me somewhat inquisitively, as if it was a loaded question though it was not. You know, that sense of calm... I tried to explain with my intonation and my facial expression, because there really are no words for the way he feels and acts when he is in the woods. It's like he sheds his outer skin and is completely exposed, not with vulnerability but with thirst.  I was reclined in my seat and gazing out the window longingly. That's how I feel when I'm by the water.  

And he suddenly understood why when we discussed vacation ides or weekend getaways, I always want to be by the sea (or ocean or the gulf). He often reminds me we live in Florida and so much of what others do on vacation, we can do anytime. So when we plan a vacation, he usually wants to do something else.  When I put it in those terms, it was like the flip of the switch. The analogy became clear: The sea is to Laurie as the woods is to Paul. He turned to me with a soft, gentle smile. I looked back him knowing he was finally understanding. I really want to live on the beach. Maybe we should just buy a condo.  And the man I married; the man who never wants to drive to the beach to have dinner or hang out with his toes in the sand; the man who after twenty-five years can rarely surprise me, turned to me and said, "I'm down with that."

A few days later, we were planning a weekend get away to Lovers Key and talking about getting an open jeep for our next vehicle. I think I see into our future: Living on the beach and vacationing in the woods. And you know what, I'm down with that.

One of my favorite "sea songs" for your listening pleasure.