Alone.
Yet, not.
Large families.
There are 33 people on the wall. Kids, kids-of-heart, grandkids, Janet, myself.
There’s always something going on in a big family. Someone’s always around, nearby, or on the way.
Wouldn’t want it any different.
So to be alone, even a few minutes, is rare.
Existential, really.
I sat on the beach house balcony Friday staring at the ocean. Twenty family members played on the beach.
Four days. Three nights.
Bliss.
The steady, ocean breeze was a constant comfort. Crashing waves almost, almost drown out all other noise.
Even with the ocean trying to dominate the sound waves, sometimes their laughter seeps back through the wind. It tickles my ears, dampens, only to be squelched again by gusty winds.
The sky is perfect.
Time sweet.
Some of them sit in lawn chairs, side by side, toes burrowed in the sand. A couple more lay on towels soaking in summer sun.
Several grandchildren carefully build a sandcastle, complete with a circular mote dug down into wet sand. Soon, a small crab, imprisoned in a pink bucket, is dumped in the mote to “protect” the castle.
The crab wants none of it. It scurries out, waving claws as it dashes backwards toward the waves. Grandkids go everywhere.
A son sits at the water’s edge at the place that’s neither land nor sea. A gentle finale of a wave splashes him clean before retreating, pulling back toward the vast ocean, only to return seconds later to say hello again.
I’m blessed.
Undeserved.
Unearned.
Blessed.
Everyone here is related, part of the clan, the whole of my heart.
Each is as unique as a snowflake, a thumbprint, an original of everchanging clouds above.
Yet unless you belong to a large family, this is an oxymoron. With even one missing, it’s never quite the same, kind of empty, like a jigsaw puzzle missing the last piece. It’s almost complete, but not.
Someone is always on a mountain top, in the upswing, celebrating clear blue skies, with life going well.
Yet, the other side of the coin is true too.
Someone in a large family is always in a valley, struggling, dealing with whatever life may have thrown at them in that particular moment.
It all ebbs and flows, just like the water on the edge of the beach.
But today, here and now, it’s rainbows and unicorns.
Life is good!
A kite tied to the wooden crosswalk dances in the wind. It swoops down, then up unexpectedly. It catches my attention and a undeterred seagull glides by the kite.
Another burst of laughter whispers from the beach.
I want to join in and find out what’s so funny. Instead, I just sit and smile at the ones on the distant sand.
I don’t want to forget this moment.
Push the memory record button.
Keep it forever.
Maybe.
Maybe not.
But for now, it’s focused in the memory, and crystal clear in the heart.
RabBits 
Blessed indeed! Thank you for sharing Jeff!
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Thanks Bruce! You’re a good man!!
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I’m there Jeff, Well written. I understand sitting on the deck with my thoughts pushing the memory record button.
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It goes by fast, Gary! Sometimes though, my record button is just blank tape.
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You are greatly blessed, Jeff. Thanks for sharing. 🤗
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I am very blessed, Sally! Thanks for the read!!
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Sounds as perfect as it can get this side of heaven. Yes, I often say that with a big family I am always over-the-moon happy for someone and simultaneously beside-myself, prostrate in prayer for someone… and the someone’s rotate day by day.
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Yes! Exactly!! It is an ever changing, boiling pot of ups and downs. No one is immune, it is just part of the ride we take in life. It’s just that in a big family, there’s never a complete time out, or day off!!
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It is marvelous to read about this big family vacation. Both my husband and I are only children. Both of our parents were dead before we met so our two children did not have grandparents or aunts and uncles. But lots of second and third cousins in England and Ireland.
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The beautiful thing about family size is that it can expand or contract and still be exactly perfect for each person! Both of your children are lucky to have parents who lov d them growing up! That’s as rich family wise as you can get! 😁
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Thank you Jeff. Our adult kids are now our best friends.
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😁
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That makes my heart smile.
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😁
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Many blessings! Sounds like a wonderful time!
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Wonderful post!
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Thank you!
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Beautiful, Jeff. I hung onto every word!
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Thank you for your kindness, Ms. Shaw!!
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You are such a lucky man Jeff! This was so beautiful to read.
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I am very fortunate! And thank you so much, Diane!!
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I have no idea what it is like being part of a large family but it sounds wonderful. 😊
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Yes, it is wonderful, but it I just as wonderful to have a small family. Just belonging may be the greatest thing!
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Very true. 😊
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How precious
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