The summer after my brother died we went to North Carolina on vacation and stayed in a condo that my dad’s aunt owned.
We didn’t have much money back then, and it was only the second or third vacation we had taken as a family.
I was sixteen at the time.
I don’t remember most of that vacation, but I do remember a couple things quite vividly.
I remember the car we drove down there in.
I remember the pink and white striped bathing suit and the red floral Jams and the plaid Vans I wore almost every day.
I remember my yellow Sony Sports Walkman and the one mix tape that I listened to over and over again the whole time we were there.
I remember playing cards at the kitchen table one night and my mom bursting into tears and running out of the room when she heard a song that reminded her of my brother.
I remember one day being so hot that as I sat on the beach completely immobile, my shins were sweating.
But most of all I remember it being a place that gave us a tremendous amount of happiness during a time when we were all still greiving.
And it was the beginning of a family tradition.
Every single August after that, my parents, my brother and I went down to Carolina Beach.
We stayed in that same condo for the first couple years until my dad’s aunt got rid of it.
Then we started renting one a block away. Right on the beach.
As we got older, my brother or I would miss a trip here or there.
But for the most part, for 30 years, my family has spent that time together every August.
And it is my absolute favorite place in the whole entire world.
My home away from home.
As soon as our vacation was over and we headed back up to CT, the countdown to next year’s vacation would begin.
When I got married, my husband and I started getting our own place down the road from my parents.
So now we had three generations at the beach.
Then our financial situation took a turn for the worse, and 2011 was the last year we went to Carolina Beach.
Or on any vacation, for that matter.
Number 7 wasn’t even born yet.
Number 3 hadn’t lost any teeth.
Number 4 still loved girly stuff.
Number 5 was only 2 years old.
And Number 6 wasn’t even walking yet.
So for the last three summers, my parents have headed down to NC but we haven’t been able to join them.
I know there are worse things. I know my family is healthy and clothed and fed, and that is all that’s really important.
But I miss going on vacation.
So do the kids.
And we could all use a break. Some time to relax.
I haven’t relaxed and just spent any amount of quality time with my family in years.
Probably since the last time we were down in North Carolina.
This August is my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary.
I thought I would at least throw them a party before they headed down south in August.
But they said they didn’t want one.
You know what they said instead?
They said that for their anniversary they wanted their family to celebrate with them down in North Carolina.
And last night they told me that they were paying for a place for us at the beach.
For the first time in four years, I get to hang out with my family.
My whole family.
And for the first time in four years I get to say the words,
we are going on a vacation in August.
It’s going to be a great summer.
And my parents are fucking awesome.
Amy says
Tears! We go to NC every year with family so I get it. Your parents are pretty amazing, enjoy and take a million pictures!
Sarah says
That is fantastic, Susie. That kind of quality family time is priceless. In 1975, my grandmother was tired of seeing her boys wasting their money (pipeliners in their 20s) and encouraged them to buy some land. They purchased 80 acres of bush with a tiny cabin on it. Over the years, friends and family have helped clear land and build a bigger cabin. I got married there. We spend every long weekend at “the Land”. It was the single best investment they could have made. This year, my 4yr old started her count down to the cabin at Christmas!
Enjoy every minute!!
Jennifer says
I am So Very Happy for You And Your Family!!!!
Kimberly says
your parents are awesome! What an amazing gift and amazing memories you will make : )
KG says
I’m so happy for you! Continue manifesting great things! xo
Jennifer says
I am so happy for you! It is a well deserved vacation, and I’m glad you guys will be able to spend it as a family.
Irene C. says
What a great gift…enjoy it!!!!
s says
Hi susie
This is so lovely.I hope you get to relax and have a whole lot of fun. I come over here everyday at naptime. I just started my own little space too. You are so soo busy but if you do get a moment, look out for me at http://www.mammabugbitme.com
you will get to see a little of this side of the world and how we try to live big in a really small space.thanks a ton.
elizabeth says
vacation memories are the best and carolina beach is the best of the best. i have such great memories from there. husband and i were married there and we try to go back every september to celebrate our anniversary.
nothing beats a house full of family at carolina beach!!!