It was a perfect beach day: hot, a clear sky, warm water, and great company in the form of my oldest son who was with us for part of our recent adventure to Panama. My youngest was on his own journey to Australia with his lovely gal pal.
Travelling with kids is always special no matter what their age. The trips we were able to take were very enjoyable because of the youthful keen sense of curiosity which took us places we may have skipped on our own.
We were ready for the afternoon of sunshine, sea and siestas. We lathered up with 60+ sun screen since Panama is near the equator and hot. Oh my, it was warm — 34 degrees every day. My wavy hair curled with the humidity and I learned to appreciate why Panamanians move at a slower pace and enjoy siestas.
With lots of water, snacks and books, towels and beach mats we were ready to enjoy a lazy day. It was similar to when he was a young lad, only this time there were different toys. We had boogie boards to try riding the waves. On Okanagan Lake when they were shorter, we always had a bag ready for the beach of various sizes of plastic containers to make sand creatures. We spent many summer days enjoying Paddlewheel Park, mostly because of the trees that offered shade to the shore, the playground, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. All it cost us was sunscreen and our packed lunch. They were great days where you came home happy and tired.
The times we can get our adult children alone is special; like mine, others are living in different communities, or so busy that a few hours, days or weeks together become very precious.
It’s a chance to really connect and see how they are doing as they share what is going on, really going on instead of just “I’m fine.”
The last time we were on the beach together we were sharing books and it was Harry Potter. He would read one and then I would read it and then his brother would. This time we were sharing Hemingway.
We discussed the book, Hemingway’s life, my son’s influences, hopes and dreams. And I shared mine and to be able to do this with someone young who loves you and who is so full of hope and endless possibilities is very encouraging.
Our kids remind us to be playful, no matter our age or theirs. We played in the waves as the tide came in and it was so much fun trying to ride the perfect one, or failing and trying again. Getting soaked, falling and as always playing again and again. Laughing, giggling, what ever you call it, it made for a great day. Relaxing, playing, this is about our life balance.
Our conversation flowed through the day to a variety of topics, and as we sat there on the beach in a Central American country surrounded by the local families, we discussed family and a community. This one, ours, his in Toronto, how we build it, how we join it. Relationships, careers, adventures, living in another land, it was a day of wonderful conversation.
Wearing my mom hat I offered support, concrete ideas, practical wisdom and he reminded me that I still have dreams, hopes and aspirations and plenty of giggles ahead.
The way I see it, a day on the beach whether in Panama, Honolulu or Kalamalka Lake, isn’t about getting a tan. It’s about enjoying the power of nature, the feel of the sun on your skin soaking through to your bones; the lull of the lapping water, the force of the tides, the feel of the gritty sand, or its colour, and the joy in finding a perfect shell.
Our family liked Panama for its beautiful wide beaches of white and black sand from the volcanoes, wonderfully warm ocean which we swam in every day, friendly people, lush interior, and relaxing days. Best of all it was about being together, building memories one splash at a time.
Michele Blais is a longtime columnist for The Morning Star who writes on a variety of topics every other Sunday.
