Rhode Island dress on the shore

People paused to consider why my daughter was wearing a pretty dress to play at the beach. I paused too. I'm always worried about ruining clothing. As if we were saving these garments for all of eternity. Sometimes it seems like we are when we have other children to clothe. It's my inherent thriftiness that just seems to get the best of me. In many circumstances that thriftiness is needed in others it just gets in the way.

My darling girl felt beautiful in her favorite dress. She was so excited to visit the beach I couldn't spare one more moment keeping her away. Clothes can be cleaned. At this age children outgrow clothing quickly, far too quickly. While this is her favorite dress her time wearing it is now coming to an end. The days of summer are disappearing and this dress will become but only a memory.

Jane ran to the shore plunging her hands deep into the sand. Hands swirled the sand in circles. She grabbed clumps to squish between fingers. Interrupting her to change into something else was not a priority to me. Letting her play in the moment was exactly what we needed to do. I watched her revel in the most sweet toddler way. Witnessing the infectious joy she had: Squeals in delight as she experienced the sand. Laughter as she ran from the waves. Dancing in the sand. Chasing seagulls remarking at their wingspan.

Absolute bliss in exploration. She was doing what every two year old loves to do: EXPERIENCE the world. The water lapped along the shore, birds flew overhead, shells were scattered around her. It was a wonderland of discovery.

I don't know how long we were there. An hour? We stayed until she was soaked through. I have to admit it has been the most delightfully beautiful memory of her being two years old. This day at the beach will be one I look back to with fondness. I was so happy watching her play. I could have sat there much longer enjoying her company. It's moments like these that we want to last forever. The bliss they give us is amazing. This every day celebration of life. Do I see it enough? Perhaps not. I can see that I need to make an effort to let these moments guide us to find the joy in daily life. I'm so glad I have this beautiful little person to teach me.