Guilty
Planned a vacation day today to go to the beach with my daughter. We usually go on her birthday every year – but this year it fell on a Saturday and we had family over to celebrate. So today was the day! Mr. Bacon decided to take a vacation day too at the last minute and come with us. Eric had to go to school. I was sneaky in not letting him see me pack up all the beach stuff, because I didn’t want him to know we were going to the beach without him. I sound like a horrible mom, don’t I? I sent him to school, and we all went to the beach. It WAS selfish. Usually, Eric would never last more than an hour at the beach, so when I plan for a beach day – I ask someone to watch him. He is more of a “dip at dusk” kind of guy – which is fine with me – I like going then too!
So as the school bus turned the corner, we hopped in the cars and left for the beach. We took separate cars, so that Mr. Bacon could come home early and get Eric off the bus. It was hot. The water was perfect! And I sat there feeling more and more guilty as the day went by, that I didn’t bring him with us.
Mr. Bacon left early to go home and shower before Eric got home from school, and I know Anna would have to leave by a certain time to get to gymnastics on time — so I texted home and said to ask Eric if he wanted to go to the beach after school. I was so excited when the reply text came in and he said “yes!” Even more exciting, Mr. B had Eric call me and when I answered, my little man said “Hi mom. We’re on our way” (with a little coaching from dad!). He sounded so grown up.
And about a half hour later, we did a child trade off. Anna got in the car and Eric got out of the car, and off we went for Round 2 on the beach! Did I mention it was hot? Eric and I went in the water and stayed in for just under 2 hours. He was SO happy. I was in my own glory too. I got extended beach time, and I got to watch the sun glisten off his beautiful shoulders as he jumped the waves. He kept smashing his hand into the water and making water spouts and happy noises, and he even rolled around like a sand monster and let the waves tumble over him and cover him with sand.
For the boy who hated the beach, didn’t like the feel of the sand, wouldn’t stay in the water for very long…… this was success in every single sense!
It wasn’t your typical family beach day, but we aren’t your “typical” family! –Mrs. B
