by Allison Smith –
For 17 years, my grandparents owned a waterfront cottage on the Sunshine Coast. During that time, my family lived just a short ferry ride away, so many weekends, and the majority of my summers, were spent on the beach there.
My grandparents sold the house many years ago but recently, my husband, daughter and I spent the night at a nearby hotel so I could show them the spots that helped shape my childhood. We were lucky enough to get a tour of the property by the new owners to show us the changes they’d made, and we wandered along the beach while I told my family stories of my time there. My daughter and I played one of my favourite games: walk on the logs for as long as possible without stepping on the ground. She loved it, and told me “it’s in my heart, mom.”
Those summers were a wonderful time filled with cousins, swimming and imaginary games. There weren’t a ton of toys involved; we just made things up as we went along. It truly was a simpler time, where we kids were given lots of freedom and no opportunity to be bored.
As my daughter gets older, I’ve realized that she doesn’t need to be kept busy with activities and day camps all summer. I’m lucky enough to be able to work from home, which means there is lots of room for her to simply spend time with friends, making her own summer memories through just being being with them and using her imagination.
Experiencing some of the things that brought me joy as a child, and seeing them through my daughter’s eyes, is a special memory we created together. And thinking back on the sunny day I held her hand as she balanced along the driftwood in front of my grandparents’ house will always be “in my heart.”
Photo by Janis Jean Photography. Clothing provided and styled by Butik Naturals. For more, visit #103 – 2506 Beacon Avenue in Sidney
