The other day my son Aidan asked if he could join me on my walk on the Cape Cod Canal. Of course I said yes. And I didn’t think much more about the significance of that until Jeff told me to be careful.
Be careful of what, I asked. How dangerous could going for a walk be? That’s when he reminded me that the last time I took a walk with Aidan I didn’t come back home for a month. Oh, I said. Yeah, I’ll be careful.
And upon further thought, I’ve decided that if a boat hits me while walking on the canal, it’s my time to go. You really can’t argue with the big guy over that one.
Walking on the canal is mostly risk free. There are no cars on the path. It’s flat, and usually crowded with other walkers. A pretty safe way to exercise.
As I was walking yesterday and enjoying watching the boats zip down the canal, something fell from the sky and landed with a thud just feet away from me.
And then a big gull flew right over my head and snatched up the now cracked crab that it had dropped on the pavement. He dragged it just a couple of feet away and started lunching on his version of sushi.
So, I guess the canal is nearly risk free as long as you don’t mind crabs falling from the sky.
This lobster had a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time from his vantage point. The lobsterman was checking his traps when the giant lobster came strolling by. I doubt he would’ve even fit in the trap.
The man just scooped him up out of the water and the rest was culinary history. Forget the flowers. If you bring me home an eight pound lobster, I’m yours.
Living in a coastal area, I think us locals get numb to our surroundings. We complain about the tourists, the traffic and the crowded beaches.
But during my walk yesterday I spent time reflecting on last summer. The one I missed. And how lucky I am to see the boats. How blessed I am to watch the fishermen pull in their bounty. And how good it feels to have the ocean breeze on my face.
My charge for you today is to be in the present. We all get so busy and callous that we don’t stop to acknowledge some of the simpler gifts in our lives.
Be it the flowers in your garden, the sun in the sky, the stick person drawing your little one made for you, take it all in.
Be aware and appreciate the simple stuff. Because those simple moments can give you much peace if you take the time to search it out.
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Lovely article!
Happy Weekend!
Pamela
No truer words have been spoken. Focusing on my present and not worrying about the past or the future is my goal for this summer. Enjoy the time with my kids. Not hurry through it. Roast lots of marshmallows and spend a lot of time cuddled up together or exploring together. These days just fly by, don’t they?
Also – dang! That is a big lobster! Wish he would find his way to my dinner plate!
What a great post Melanie, and I think it couldn’t be more true. I think it is so special that your son likes to walk with you…I hope mine gets out of his “don’t want to do anything with mom” stage soon cause I miss him!
I would have died and gone to heaven for a lobster like that!
Well said!
Janell
Crab dropping gulls and lobster walking right up to be caught! What a great story and beautiful pix Melanie! I love your perspective on appreciating all that you have and living in the present. I am so glad and amazed at how far you have come since last year. I pray you have a fabulous and safe summer!
Thank you for the reminder:) I’m so happy that you are having a wonderful summer! Last year I was working full time but now I’m a stay at home mom again and I appreciate it so much more!
Enjoy your Summer,
Bethany
best title ever
Hope you continue to enjoy this beautiful New England summer. We’ve implemented Family Fun Fridays, were we take the kids to the beach for dinner and “late night” (aka 7pm) swimming. I want to soak up all those moments with my boys before they hit that “don’t want Mom stage”!
Becky in MA
LOL – who knew it could be so dangerous by the canal. We’re heading down to the canal this weekend for a bike ride, so I’ll have to keep my eyes open for things falling from the sky……
We are leaving soon for a national park with no tv, Internet or cell service for a week. So looking forward to just being with the beauty of our earth and my family!!!
The new hot water heater, installed today in our utility room . . . we each have different blessings. Today, in this moment, this is mine.
Oh, yes, there were two buffo marinus toads that lurked beneath our recycle bin. Those are vacationing elsewhere now, heh.
You are so right – as usual!!
I hope that you and your family have a wonderful summer to make up for last year.
A great reminder for us all
Beautiful words.
Amen to that!
So glad Aiden took a walk with you again. It’s amazing how much has happened since last year, huh? Let’s make up for lost time this summer.
xox