San Juan Island. saying goodbye

Sometimes, the last day of your vacation calls for an unforeseen adventure. A quick trip to the beach to say your good byes suddenly becomes a game of chasing waves. The clothes you planned on wearing become drenched, heavy, with ocean waters so you shed them like layers. The air is cool and chilly, but that doesn't stop the pitter patter of tiny feet running on wet sand. Running after splashes of sea, running after brothers or sisters, after moms and dads and even running from time.

It's never easy for me to say goodbye to the ocean. A part of me feels such peace and warmth when I am surrounded by the sound of crashing waves, the scent of salty air and the view of an endless horizon.

We said our goodbyes, secretly I hurt a bit inside and wanted to hold onto these moments forever. I didn't, I couldn't, let go. But once I did I came to realize all the treasures that made their way back with us, tucked tightly in our suitcases. The stash of shells I found hidden in a pocket, the pile of drift wood that I managed to bring along, the journals each of the children kept and my own words quickly jotted down on folded pieces of paper. We brought back souvenirs, we brought back endless stories.

And through these treasures and stories I know that we will never forget this trip. I hope we make it back soon, but if we don't, I have piles of photographs, journals, shells and memories to hold us over.

Until next time, Friday Harbor.