September with seagull

 Fall fell quickly this year. Just a couple weeks ago we were sweltering; on Wednesday I regretted (a bit) venturing out in my flip-flops and no sweater.

I love the changing seasons, but as each one passes, I let go slowly, and there’s no better place to let go than the shore in September.

We got to soak in the end of summer at our favorite shore town, Ocean City, NJ, where momentary joys are endless. I'll share just a few from the September almost past.

* Walking along the beach, leaving footprints behind, seeing signs of those who had gone before: little human feet next to grownup feet, dog feet, tiny bird feet. We all share the sand.

* Passing a squadron of seagulls guarding the 15th Street beach, laying claim to their territory now that we humans are fewer in number.

* Thinking of my mom as I walk at the water’s edge, remembering holding tight to her hands when I had little feet, jumping with her in the waves.

 * Strolling through town at dusk, spotting an array of chalk-drawn squares up ahead, and a small girl sitting with her grownup on the sidewalk.
“Do you want to see me play hopscotch?” she asked.
“Absolutely!”
She happily hopped, and I couldn’t resist following in her footsteps.

Thank you, September.