Gram’s Gift

There is this little unique section of the cape that time has not changed. Where the sound of children’s laughter reigns and summer friends catch up. As the sun starts it’s descent they meet up on the beach and enjoy a cocktail and a story. They have watched each other’s children grow, celebrate successes, and held hands through loss. I swear my mom’s laughter can still be heard, it is carried in on the tides and embraces all. How lucky am I to be able to continue to share these memories with my sisters and make new ones with my own children. If history proves anything, then I am willing to bet my grandchildren will play on the same beaches and explore the same jetties as my kids are now. Generations of families have been raised there. My aunt LL is a a second generation Ocean Grover, and her grandchildren the 4th generation to enjoy Chase’s. The love for Chase’s handed down from her mom Ollie, and embedded in the DNA of future generations. Amazingly we are now 3 generations deep in our own family.

My sister and I talk about Gram’s gift, which is so much more than just a cottage by the sea. Grateful to my father who generously gifted the cottage to me and my sisters when he could have easily sold it. In our hearts and minds we still think of the cottage as my mom’s. In her infinite wisdom she bought this cottage almost 30 years ago, before even a hint of grandchildren were on the horizon. There isn’t much to it all. Two rooms, built in bunk beds, and an outdoor shower. Literally no privacy, nor the illusion of having any from each other or the neighbors. Yet there is a coziness to this place that comforts and nurtures. There is something to be said for the simplicity of a place, where time is truly only appreciated at sunrise and sunset. Where everything slows down just enough that you can just be for a moment. In those moments I know my mom is with us, and that is Gram’s Gift.