the ocean of kindness…
July 3, 2009
My favorite kind of kindness is the act that comes totally unexpected. These are the ones that leave you speechless and undone in the best way. Things have been really hard for my family the last year, things I really wouldn’t share because it might hurt people I dearly love. I went from having sort of a charmed life to having layers peeled back that have required me to find a new way to be on so many levels. And really through it all, love and kindness have held firm, teaching me that I have always had everything I really need, come what may…
I will admit all of this struggle has left me soul weary for too long. Just last week, I was tearfully milling around the around the house secretly (or maybe not so secretly) wishing that we could run away together for a while, just get away to a quieter place. Jorge came home the next evening and said someone we know had offered us their beach house, free of charge, during a prime rental week. I was shocked, tiny and big wishes can happen I guess. This tremendous act of generosity came at just the right moment reminding me once again that we are being held. We are not alone.
The kids and I packed up and went ahead with Jorge meeting us for the last 2 days. The cottage was so perfect, bright with touches of joy everywhere you turned. Lots of little details made the home feel very loved. Every morning I opened the windows and looked out at the ocean, allowing the breeze blow over me, working her magic. It was tricky to have 4 kids alone on a sandy beach, I am tired but somehow my heart feels rested even though my body does not.
We dug deep holes and buried each other, jumped the waves, watched too much horrible tv, spent hours making art, stayed up way late, ate sugar cereal, watched the sunset…and were away in the quiet, as quiet as 6 can be, together.
Sometimes what feels like an ocean of hardship requires an ocean of kindness or maybe lots of small acts to right a heart, to heal. I guess you never know what small or big act can do and what it will mean, but you can be sure it can change everything…
Thank you kind friends…
more pics here.
Kindnessgirl 
July 3, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I’m so glad you had this week. And that you’re finding kindness and healing.
Those are some great photos, I think I need to get away to the ocean, too.
July 4, 2009 at 6:43 am
There’s something so magically healing about the beach. Even in the prime of vacation season~ the waves, the breeze, the sand, the sun. The sky at night especially….. I hope that you are finding peace in little things and that the time with your family away from everything else was full of more reminders like your “love road.” *I loved that.* Happy day- e
July 4, 2009 at 8:19 am
Patience, What a wonderful gift to have materialize just when you were needing it most. And what a lovely reminder that we are all held. Sending you & your beautiful family so much love.
July 4, 2009 at 2:33 pm
ohhh! your photos, just took my breath away. goosebumps too. what a gift to receive– it’s obvious you made the absolute most of it. I’m so happy someone is looking out for you…
July 5, 2009 at 2:08 pm
What a wonderful gift! Also, my goodness, that house looks so lovely, the colors are perfect. I can tell it wanted you to come take some pictures there. 🙂
July 6, 2009 at 7:14 am
I almost cried reading this because we need something like this so very much.
July 7, 2009 at 12:45 pm
I’m overjoyed that kindness has found you once again.
July 16, 2009 at 10:53 am
Just stopping by to wish you some extra waves of kindness.
September 15, 2009 at 10:08 am
These are very touching images. Though I don’t know what you are going through, I understand, as my family has had its own struggles over the last couple of years. But through it all we have learned how to tuck peace and joy in our pockets and take them everywhere we go, and I cannot begin to tell you how much strength and hope we have gained as a result. Blessings to you and your family. They are beautiful.