Memories and What We Make of Them

Sometimes it can take half a lifetime for some of us to realize how lucky we were. I grew up 3 blocks from the shores of Lake Erie and spent my entire late spring and summer on the beach. I took this beautiful body of water for granted, or I thought I did. 

I used to be an early morning person. As soon as I heard the birds chirping and saw the rays of sunshine beaming through my window, I woke up and ran downstairs to greet the day. Life was simple back then and I had no idea how simple it was until I became an adult with adult issues that differ from teen issues.  

I would make sure I made plans the day before each new day arrived to meet with my friends on the beach. We only had a few main goals for a rocking day- bring our radios to listen to our favorite songs (yes, radios- not boom boxes, or Ipods). We would tune into our favorite FM station which always played the most current and popular music. As a teen, my second goal was a tough one, get that tan! We all smelled so good because we used baby oil as our tanning oil. Sunscreen, what was that?!  They didn't make sunscreen when I was growing up. We also made sure we sat on the 'private side' of the beach because, well... we could bring beer and drink! What a great mix, the sun , guys, lake, and beer, eh?  I'm not sure why but the beach wasn't policed back then.  I will admit, beer wasn't my drink of choice and I usually sipped on just one. I savored my pop, others call it soda!

I still remember my favorite artists we listened to frequently- Aerosmith, Bob Segar and the Silver Bullet band, Ted Nugent (who I can't stand now) Rush, Whitesnake, The Police, Rasberries (yes they were one hit wonders with their song, "Go all the Way), Barry Manilow, Fleetwood Mac , Anita Baker, Many Motown Artists, The OJ's, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson - "cruisin', one of my favorites for some reason. The list goes on... 

When I wasn't swimming and sunning on the beach I would go there alone during off season to write in my journal. It was there, my quiet time near Lake Erie, I wrote poetry and short but true stories. It was cathartic yet I still took this aspect of my life for granted. 

We went to a Car Show this past weekend on the Shores of Lake Erie, it was held at a place called Lake Shore Park. Many good memories of hanging out there with my family as children. I saw this old Cadillac and had to grab a photo of it. There was also a Wine and Walleye Festival going on while we were down there. Memories were abundant. 

When I had children, the tradition continued, we headed to the beach but this time without thoughts of partying and trying to attract guys. They played in the sand and waded in the water, just like we did as little children. It would have been just a bit weird if I took my kids to the beach with the mindset I had as a teen! 

Then, we moved. It took me quite a few years to understand just how much therapy Lake Erie gave me, it renewed my soul. It's hard to explain if someone didn't grow up near a large body of water but there is definitely an attraction to the water that goes deeper than just the beauty of the water. It's like a spiritual connection that can't be described, it has a calming effect on the mind and spirit. I live near the Allegheny River now and it's refreshing but it doesn't leave me feeling as though my soul has been touched in ways that Lake Erie left me feeling.  Don't get me wrong, I still find solace when I'm hiking along the river but it makes me crave a larger body of water. I guess that's why many of my vacations over the years took me to the Ocean. 

When we were growing up we never visited the Ocean and I decided I would take my daughter each summer to spend time on the Ocean when my husband and son took their annual fishing trips to Bush Country in Canada. It's amazing how youthful the water makes you feel and more importantly, how your worries seem to leave with the tides. My daughter told me her best memories are the times we spent in Myrtle Beach and Panama City Beach Florida. I also took them to Clearwater Beach, Florida - we always drove. I felt so free when I got behind the wheel of the car and further away from the home. 

You can leave your worries behind when you travel, even though traveling is temporary, as they say, so are our worries. I decided it's time to find the child within again and let go of problems I don't have control over. If you aren't able to take a vacation, go for day trips, you're guaranteed to find places that leave you with many memories, along with letting go of adult issues we all have. 

What are your favorite memories when growing up? Do you still feel drawn to those memories?  I learned long ago, I was lucky to have grown up so close to Lake Erie. I've also learned that my sleep cycle sucks now and that's because I became too serious about being a 'grown up.'  Time to let my hair down again, how about you?!