This past year my older sister moved to Sullivan’s Island and it has changed everything! We have been coming to Charleston to visit family for years but had never ventured far from downtown. Because this was such a quick visit we only had a few hours to spare, but they turned out to be some of the best hours of my life.

After spending the day with my Dad for his 80th (!!) birthday, we headed over to Sullivan’s around 6:30pm. They allow dogs on the beach after 6 o’clock, so it was the perfect time to go with my sister’s new puppy, Finn. Walking down the boardwalk we kept our eye out for butterflies and crabs.

Edith loves to stand where the waves crash and feel her feet sink into the sand as the water washes away. And those curls….

I grew up in a beach town so I have always felt a deep connection to the ocean. There’s something to be said about feeling the ocean breeze on your face, tasting the dried salt on your skin as you get out of the water, listening to the waves crash on the shore. Its just good for the soul. Watching Edith feel that connection, stare in awe, and take in the beauty around her with her child-like wonderment made me feel so proud, so grateful to be sharing that moment with her.

Edith has no fear of the ocean. She would keep walking all the way in if I wasn’t right beside her. It terrifies me and amazes me at the same time that this little girl has no qualms taking on something so vast.

After about an hour, Edith decided to take off all of her clothes, kneel in the shallows, and feel the waves crash all over her. It was as if her clothes were keeping her from being truly a part of the experience and I just kept thinking what I wouldn’t give to be that young again – to not have a care in the world, to take no notice to anything else going on around me, to just do what felt entirely natural and good.

I carried her off of the beach, we washed up at my sister’s, and headed back out for Mexican food. It was truly the perfect night. I’ll remember that sunset, the color of her hair in the golden glow, the sound of her laugh, the way she squeezed my hand tighter as a wave was just about to crash on us, and the look on her face when she would turn to look back for me so I would know how happy she was for the rest of my life.