The Sea: Best Gift-Giver Ever

I’m blogging from the beach this week and find myself reminiscing a bit, and marveling at the beautifully peaceful and picturesque “gifts of the sea.”

I know, I know – that story has long been written by the prolific Anne Morrow Lindbergh.  And the book has resonated with me far beyond the first time I was introduced to Gift from the Sea back in my senior year Honors English class.

The Jersey Shore has always been a generous gift-giver to me.

One of the best gifts I’ve received from the beach is that of “peace.”   Layers of stress and worry seem to peel away from me as our packed-to-the gills car makes its way over the Manasquan River and nears the Barnegat Bay.

I still crank down the window to get a glimpse of a speeding jet ski and a sniff of the salt air, just like I used to do as a child.

There are the beach breakfasts – eggs and bacon or bakery treats from Colonial Bakery.  And of course, there’s the playful time in the sand and surf.

The bright lights and palpable energy of the Seaside Heights and Point Pleasant Boardwalks can be counted on for providing the gift of “joy,” while a giant slice of tomato pie from Maruca’s followed by a  frozen custard swirl cone from Kohr’s is the ultimate gift of “bliss.”

There’s the gift of “friendship” that was solidified over many wild years in a tiny yellow house oddly situated between a giant water tower and a tiny police station on Long Beach Island.

And the gift of “love” that came in the form of a shiny diamond ring on a chilly December day just off of the Atlantic City boardwalk when my husband proposed to me.

But perhaps the very best gift of all is reliving my own childhood and creating new memories with my family these days at the Jersey Shore through my toddler son’s experiences.  The smiles and squeals at the touch of sand on his tiny toes or numerous rides on the Boardwalk carousel are simply delicious and utterly priceless.

Best. Gift.  Ever. Thanks, Sea!!

Has the sea given you any gifts lately?  Please share…