Our First Sunrise Together

When was the last time you really watched the Sunrise at the beach? If it took you a minute or two to check your memory archives, more likely it’s been awhile. For me, it has been 8 years. That long? Yep, that ancient.

When you’re young , it’s easy to take for granted simple yet beautiful things or events that mother nature has to offer such as the rising and the setting of the Sun on a vast, tranquil ocean.

I miss those times when my thoughts would just drift with the breeze in total submission, my heart caressed by the gentle and soothing sounds of the waves and my soul just calm and at peace without worries in the World. Can I bring back those moments again? Maybe so.

Last weekend, we celebrated my wife’s 35th Birthday by the beach at Galveston Island. Once again, the sea has called us back. My wife told me that she wished to stay overnight at the Holiday Inn along the Seawall boulevard overlooking the gulf of Mexico. The last time we’d been there, she had a lot of fun with wonderful memories. She also had a comfortable and restful sleep. It was her special day and I was more than happy  to grant her wish. As for me, it doesn’t matter where we stay for as long as my family is with me and it’s close to the beach. I’m easy to please.

I slept close to the window. The full moon lit the dark sky making visible the waters below it. The waves glistened as it approaches the shores. It was kind of romantic. I could almost hear a faint music in the background. Not for long, we dozed off. Sweet dreams we had a plenty that night.

It was almost 07:00 A.M., I called my son’s name. I didn’t realize he was already sitting at the edge of the bed all wide awake with a big smile on his face. I asked him, ” are you ready to see your first Sunrise?” He whispered back softly as to not awaken his mom, ” yes, dad. Let’s go.” We both kissed the Birthday girl. She grinned a bit and mumbled, ” see you guys at the breakfast lounge around eight.” I asked her one more time, ” are you sure you don’t want to go with us?” She replied, “I’m sure, have fun.” Then she went back to sleep.

" Dad, will you build sand castles with me?" asked my son as we waited for the sun to rise marking a brand new day.

At the break of dawn, the jetty unfolds a serene palette of colors. For a moment, I was breathless as I looked at the first sign of the Sun peeping through the East end of the Sea. It was magical, almost unbelievable. I held my son hands and an unforgettable memory began. It was our first time to see such a spectacle together. I want to freeze the moment for as long as I can. I can feel my face glow not from the Sun’s rays but from the joy that I’m feeling in my heart.

Surfers paddled their way to find their first wave. They gathered at the East side of the Galveston‘s Seawall. Just like everyone who were waiting eagerly for the Sunrise, they too want to celebrate its coming by being one with the ocean. For a second I envy them for experiencing a priceless union with one of nature’s spectacular living Art as they rode their thrilling waves. One of the surfer‘s had a pick-up truck with the name “Salt Water Soul.” The three words summed up what this experience was all about.

I curiously asked my son, ” would you like to surf like them?” as I point to the surfer riding his wave. He excitedly replied, ” uh-huh!” I then told him, ” we then need to practice our swimming first.” He answered back enthusiastically, ” sure, dad, I would like that.”

As the Sun rose, a new day was beginning to unravel. This gave me a sense of hope that fresh beginnings are possible and that a better future lies ahead. I asked my son, ” do you know why this day is important?” He replied with confidence, ” it’s Sunrise day!” I answered back, ” that’s partly right but today is Sept. 11, it’s the day when kids like you lost their mom and dad when 2 planes crashed on two towers full of people. Today, we remember those who died and the families they left behind.” He looked at me sadly and did not say a word. His facial expression and silence was more than enough to tell me that we felt the same sadness. As the Sun continued to ascend, I offered a short prayer for the victims and their survivors. I told myself, ” that could had been me or someone I loved.”

A seagull was nibbling this fish. We both went close to check it out. I felt bad for the fish. A while ago it was swimming full of life in the ocean.

The Seawall has beautiful paintings like this from end to end. Some still in good quality despite of the harsh weather they endured throughout the years. This one reminded me of " Free Willy." My son and I watched the DVD movie together a few weeks ago.

The ocean holds a spell that will draw you back again and again. It's a spell I don't want to find a cure. In fact, it's a spell that heals the soul.

I hope my son would remember this moment. I still have bits and pieces of memories when my dad brought me to the beach. All of the sudden I miss his company.

Chasing a Seagull. I could hear my son's laughter echoing as I took this photo. He sounded so happy. He told me later, " can we do this again, dad?"

My future surfer. My wife asked me yesterday, " what do you want him to become when he grows up?" I replied, " whatever he wants to be for as long as he's happy." She gave me this strange look.

I didn't notice that my son was staring at me. He then said, " dad, are you going to help me with my fortress or what?" I got busy capturing my Kodak moments.

My wife called. She said, ” what’s up guys? I’m at the breakfast lounge now. The Eggs Benedict and pancakes are waiting for you two.” I told her, ” Luv, 10 more minutes. He’s almost done with his sand fortress.”

Just before heading to the hotel, we both took a last look at the Sun which was now fully set on the glaring , blue sky. My son gave me a hug, held my hand and said, ” dad, when are we going to watch another Sunrise?” I smiled back and said, ” soon my son.”

The happiest moments in our life are the ones we shared with the people we love and care about. Most of the time they don’t cost much except your time, maybe a warm hug and a sweet kiss to go with it.

What’s the most memorable Sunrise you had in your lifetime? I bet it made you glow too.

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