Random thoughts from our trip to the beach today:
The very first things we saw as we walked down the steps over the dunes were dolphins frolicking. Not just swimming by--frolicking. We could see about four sets of fins and tails coming in and out of the water, splashing around. This amused and awed us, as well as assured us that there weren't any sharks around. Whew.
Beach blanket talk rolled around to an oft discussed quandary: Is Batman really a Super Hero? I asked the kids to name, off the top of their head, five people they considered heroes. Their quick responses were: Batman, Dad, Steve Nash, Forrest Gump, and Jesus. Elli asked incredulously, "What about Malcolm X? What about Harriet Tubman?" More heroes were added to the list: George Washington, Abe Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Mother Theresa, etc.
The beach was on a military base just south of Virginia Beach. It's more quiet and has better waves. Also, great parking, restrooms with outdoor showers and a class six. (I spent $30 on drinks and chips for the six of us!) Just past the swimming area in the dunes is all kinds of mysterious satellite equipment. The beach goers are all military personnel, dependents, and their friends. There were lots of young families with kids. A group of kids started doing all kinds of back flips, twists and twirls along the water's edge. They were very athletic and talented, but what struck me was their innocence and joy. They were between the ages of four and twelve; boys and girls; black and white. They seemed to not have a care in the world, and yet most of them (if not all) either currently have, have had, or will have a parent who is away from home while fighting the war on terror. The awe I felt watching them play surpassed my awe of the dolphins. I also felt an assurance that everything is going to be ok.
