This time last year, my husband and I were arriving at our happy place…Destin, Florida. It was my last spring break before retirement, and the two of us enjoyed every second of our beloved beach vacation. Most of our dinner discussions included lengthy reveries about how, very soon, our Destin trips would not be limited to fall break, spring break, and summer vacations. As soon as my husband joined me in retirement, we could pack our bags and head to the beach on a whim. This year, my husband (an elementary school principal) will be retiring July 1st. We both had hoped to spend his last official spring break (this week) in Destin.

I feel like the ultimate party pooper.

My recent gall bladder surgery turned out to be a little more complicated than expected; and, as a result, recovery has been slow going. I’m finally beginning to try some foods that had been on the “don’t even think about it” list; but I’m still observing a fairly conservative diet. My abdomen still hurts if I lift too much or stretch or turn a certain way; and the steristrips over my incisions are still hanging on for dear life which makes swimming out of the question. The doctor said no flying, and the long car trip would have to be broken into two days there and back.

No swimming, no biking, no long walks along the beach…

It made more sense for us to stay home this spring break.

After staying with us for a few days following my mom’s hip replacement last week, my parents have gone back to their house. My older son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter headed out this morning to join my daughter-in-law’s parents and sisters at the beach…just a few miles from where we normally stay. My younger son is staying with friends. My best friend is in Paris, France, with her mother, niece, and daughter-in-law.

My husband is mowing the lawn.

My dog is curled up next to my side.

I am writing this slice.

I miss the sound of waves rolling in. Soon, I remind myself, very soon we can go to the beach on a whim.