Today while driving home from work, I was cruising down the 10 towards Santa Monica and the beach, with the windows down and I caught a wife of the water in front of me. Cool, inviting, invigorating. But, I found my mind wanting more. I felt disappointed, as if something was missing. And sure enough, it was.
That tangy scent you get when you're headed to the beach as you leave Manahawkin and cross the bridges towards LBI. The salt is stronger and the mud just invades your sinuses. It just overwhelms you. At first, if you aren't used to it, you'd probably find it too strong, but for me, it is welcoming.
Once I realized my brain was missing that, I began to miss the other parts of LBI. The sun coming in through my windows in the morning, the crinkle of the bagel bag, the humidity that made breathing hard, cruising down the boulevard, cursing at the tourists, hearing the time clock punch my card as I checked in, the carousel music playing over and over, the whoosh of the sea dragon, the laughter of the kids in the park, running every night with Kevin from 1-2am to get ready for the tennis season, yogurt parfaits, killer bee sting making my lips tingle, waking up to breakfast at Wimbledon. There was so much more behind that.
And it made me sad. But, it also made me smile. I have a wonderful place to return to, and I know it'll always be there for me.
I know it's been a while - but I know I'll return soon.
And I can't wait for that tangy mud to welcome me back.
And when you get back, another aroma that will fill your sinuses will be the mixture of sun-screen, salty skin, and sweet tears, as I wrap my arms around you, and not let go for a long, long time.
ReplyDeleteI can't cross the bridge without thinking of you. Or go to Wawa without thinking of you, or go to Taco Bell without thinking of you, or hear balls resonating from the tennis courts without thinking of you. Hmmmm, think I miss you much?!?
ieyu, ilys!