Hawk's Cay

Bridges

Conversations around the kitchen table. Conversations at bedtime. Words floating, words dancing round and round. When Daniel was born, Josh was in high school. A fifteen year old that was absorbed in his AP classes,volunteer work,and social responsibilities. He was also a fifteen year old obsessed with his computer,his friends and taking long showers. At the time, I would ask him for his help with the baby. I did not ask for much, just to hold the baby for ten minutes while I would finish a chore. Josh would oblige and cradle Daniel in his arms. My heart would jump, my heart would smile. When I returned I witnessed how a change happened. Josh was captivated by his little brother. Their eyes locked together,and a faint smile would be draped on his face. Truth be told, I was building a bridge. A bridge that they could meet at. A bond, that goes deeper than the blood flowing through their veins. This holiday weekend Josh now, a third year medical student and Daniel a fourth grader were having conversations, and they were having pillow fights. I found myself still building the bridge between them. A age gap this large is difficult. They don't have the same interests. And so, on the phone with Josh every night I share stories about Daniel. Stories about the food drive at his school that helped nine families. Stories about wise things he said. Stories about books we are reading that I used to read with Josh. I also tell Daniel stories about Josh. I tell him about Josh's new rotations. I tell him about his volunteer work at the clinic. Most important I tell him that his brother is thinking of him. This is how I nurture the bond. I stitch a needlepoint of a life. This is how I create a legacy. A love that I carry like a locket in my heart. A love that will carry them through time.

Give Thanks

Brown eyed boys with big smiles.
Brown eyed man with strong arms.
A warm shelter that's our home.
Mundane life unravels to my delight.
Waking up and feeling sweet gratitude.
Health is wealth we cannot squander.
Chasing dreams,we follow our hearts.
Memories of a dad that loved,
a mother who created a home,
a legacy of love and tradition.
Freedom of speech and other freedoms.
Wisdom,kindness,thoughtfulness,inspiration and joy.

Gratitude

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul"

                                            Henry Ward Beecher

The Story Of Peanut Island

There is a wonderful place called Peanut Island. It's a place of treasured memories. Mornings of exploration,mornings of shell treasure hunting, mornings of magical sandcastles.Our boys digging,laughing,exploring. Our dogs roaming, running, splashing in the crystal blue water. It's our refuge, it's our place. When we need to unwind from the real world, we come here . The island is open like a welcome home mat waiting for us. We are seduced by the beauty and by how simple life can be and how precious. We began going to Peanut Island in the 90's at that point only local fishermen knew about it. Later we found out the island's historic significance . The island features a blast shelter that was built secretly for President John F.Kennedy shortly after his 1960's election. It was during the cold war and President Kennedy often spent winters in nearby Palm Beach. Peanut Island is a 79 acre island. Originally named Inlet Island, it was renamed Peanut Island for a planned shipping operation which failed in 1946. In 2005 Palm Beach made a major renovation that resulted in campsites, a pier, and a man made reef. The water is "Bahama Blue" as my husband calls it. That's where I find the boy in the man that I married. He shows our boys wonders while they snorkel. They follow hermit crabs and sea urchins,they follow dreams.Daniel searches and finds gifts to give to me,shells, and leaves. I have a leaf he gave me when he was three, he said,"mama,it's shaped like a heart."He wanted to cut it so he and I could share one heart. I will always remember that. This is why this is my happy place where I can just be still with the moment. Our eyes feast at the glory and our souls whisper with gratitude.

Home

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Through the doors I find peace,
embraced by boys with bright smiles.
Yellow lab, waging her long tail.
Chestnut walls, adorned with framed memories.                                               
Tall Sunflowers on the kitchen table.
Sunlight that seeps into my soul.

                                                             

Peanut Island

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