Friends -
There is a place that I know well. My Dad first learned about it because of a workplace retreat and he and Mom started inviting the whole family (or as many of us as the could gather) after that. It is particularly special to me and will always be a respite for my heart. As a family we have sought opportunities to go there since 1975, and thus both my daughters have sand dollars, pelicans, sea otters and rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean as part of their upbringing.

Mom and Dad are not around anymore and it has been a long time since we have been there as a group. But somehow me and my siblings managed to do it one more time this month. We floated in the slough, played in the ocean waves, painted grand masterpieces, roasted marshmallows and ate up a storm several nights in a row. If my parents had been there they would have been very pleased.

Their presence was felt. At least by me

Margie Lopez Read