Time Apart

 

Ocracoke Island

“See the pyramids along the Nile.

Watch the sun rise on a tropic isle.

But just remember, darling, all the while,

You belong to me.

See the market place in old Algiers.

Send me photographs and souveniers.

Just remember when a dream appears,

You belong to me...”

         I’m sitting at Zillies on Ocracoke Island, drinking Perrier and feeling quite the adventurous spirit.  On the deck, they’re playing old Sinatra tunes and I’m being tossed back into childhood memories.  When I was still small enough to stand up in the front seat of our car, my dad would sing this song to me in his beautiful baritone, and never miss a note.  It is one of the sweetest memories I have of him.  My mother and dad danced to the big bands—Dorsey, Glen Miller, Les Brown and Harry James.  This was the music I grew up with, and when I hear it I see them dancing, bouncing in step, together.  Mother was a really good jitter-bugger—Daddy, not so much, but he gave it his best effort. 

         Ocracoke Island is the sort of place that will make you think such thoughts; reminisce about the good old days, the simpler times.  It’s a laid back, weathered, sun-bleached, sandy kind of place where people ride bicycles in flip-flops and the smallest amount of clothing they can get away with.  It’s a place to see lovely and not-so-lovely bodies, some sunburned and others tanned beyond reason.  You can be a hippy here, old or nouveau, and nobody gives you a second glance.  I could live happily here, I think.

         This time apart has reminded me why it is that sane people take vacations.  Getting away from the usual grind is rejuvenating and refreshing; but more than that, it spurs remembrance of all the souls whose blood, sweat and tears got you to where and who you are.  So often, I remember only the difficult things that growing up in my family brought, the sadness and hardness of life and loss.  But sitting here at Zillies with ol’ blue eyes crooning in my ears, I also remember that there were good times, happy times, and for all of it, I am eternally grateful.

                                  In all things give thanks,

                                  Jane