Peaceful easy feeling

I tried to write an entry when we got back last night, and I just couldn't do it. I knew I would rush it, and that would be injustice to a day that was anything but rushed. So, you're going to see two entries today.

Before I made an attempt to move or open my eyes, I digested my surroundings. A pleasant, summery breeze made the wind chimes sing, and the sounds of moving water cut through the otherwise peaceful morning air. My neck was slightly uncomfortable and positioned oddly, but the discomfort was not enough to disrupt the deep breaths indicative of a deep sleep. I opened my eyes to find myself a patio lounge chair, covered with an oversized white bathrobe we use after getting out of the hot tub. Of course, the patterned cloth left impressions on my thighs and calves, and my face was sticky from the morning's humidity. I'd spent the night on my grandmother's back porch.

It wasn't intentional. I was exhausted the night before and slipped into sleep before I realized I was doing it. I'm sure my dad and grandma discovered me earlier in the morning and got a good chuckle out of the sight. Nonetheless, it was surprisingly a great night's sleep, and I was ready to take on the day.

Breakfast was ready and I was more than ready to devour it. Classic rice and tomatoes, a favorite in our household, was a first for Cam. I think he enjoyed it, along with my grandma's cheesy scrambled eggs. Most importantly, grandma had homemade bread ready for consumption. A little more reading and sadly, napping around, was done before the pinnacle of the day arrived: clamming.

If you've never experienced clamming, it requires three things: an old pair of tennis shoes, a bag to hold your treasures, and, in my case, getting over the fear of what else lurks beneath the water. My grandmother taught me how to clam in the river that runs behind her house many years ago. More than once, the fear of little crabs biting my hands as I clawed the clay-like sand proved too much, and I'd sit on top of my grandmother in the water. She was never annoyed... She just smiled.

Clamming has been a unique part of my life, and for more than just the experience itself. It is time I spent with my grandma and sister that I will cherish for the rest of my life. It's the sunsets we experienced, the fish that swam close by, the screams that followed, and the belly laughs that erupted. More than anything, it was time to merely enjoy each other's presence... conversation or not. Now, I was about to share that with Cam.

The master teacher came along with us, even though she might have been more comfortable on her sofa reading a good book. We managed to find the same plastic netted fruit bag we used many times growing up. We also found Cam an old pair of sneakers, essential to avoiding oyster shell damage. We anticipated the water to be much colder than it was, so wading out into the depths was much easier than I thought it'd be. Once we made it far enough, the time came to "just plop down".

At first, Cam wasn't really finding anything. But, as soon as he discovered his first, there was no stopping him. He'd find them left and right, sometimes two at a time. I was proud, and couldn't help but smile when I caught a glimpse of his face soon after discovering one.

It's a feeling that's hard to articulate... The moment you feel the smooth ridge along the mouth of a clam is a moment you must experience for yourself to fully appreciate. It brings joy to both young and old. Even though I detest the taste of a clam, I could not be more fond of the memories clamming has given me, including the ones made yesterday.

While we cleaned the clams and cleaned up ourselves, grandma made spaghetti. We decided to enjoy snickers ice cream bars for dessert outside on the porch as the sun was setting. The next thing I know, Cam is kissing me on the cheek, stirring me from yet another afternoon nap.

Realizing the time, we gathered our belongings and packed up the car. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to that weekend or my grandmother, but there were plenty of things waiting for me back in Raleigh. I knew I would be back soon enough.We stopped for coffee and milkshakes before the long drive home. The drive itself was indeed a long one, but it did not drag. I had great company.

I'm not a strong enough writer to do this weekend justice. I'm not sure anyone is. But, I will cherish this weekend and others like it for the rest of my life. More than anything, I will cherish the people who made it worth remembering.