Seeing the ocean adds years to my life! I’m calmer, more relaxed, and at peace. Life is
less stressful. How could I see things less than perfect when the soothing waves are crashing next to me, the sand is warm and soft below my feet, and the ocean smell is in the air? Marketing companies should create a beach scent that is vented through office buildings. I bet they would make billions.

The DNC was in Charlotte this week and Darren was asked to work from home; we saw it as an opportunity to travel somewhere new. The only requirement was wired internet access in the room so Darren could work during the day while Athena and I explored the area. We could scope out the hot spots and show “Dad” our favorites in the evening and on the weekend. It was an excellent plan!

We chose Virginia Beach since Virginia was one of the only states I hadn’t visited and I was missing the home feeling of being on the water. Ocean Sands Resort is located directly on the 3 mile boardwalk and the ocean is a stone’s throw away from the rooms. With daily activities, oceanfront property, free internet, and a kitchenette, it was exactly what we were looking for.

On arrival, we found out that parking was not only free but a space was reserved for us. We didn’t have to worry about searching endlessly for a spot or paying over-priced parking charges. I knew I made a good choice from that moment and it was continuously confirmed throughout our stay.

Our room was on the third floor and it had an unbelievable ocean view. I watched the sun rise daily and walked along the boardwalk every morning. Athena enjoyed the slight breeze against her face and the fresh air all around her. With a child’s inquisitive nature alive and well within her, she was constantly turning her head to see the new, surrounding world. I could also see the dolphins playing from the bedroom window. While Athena had her afternoon nap, I laid in the bed next to her and enjoyed the wonders of the sea. Surfers and boogie boarders had a more up-close view of the dolphins as they rode the waves, but I was content to experience it all from a bird’s eye view.

When Athena was asleep at night, Darren and I relaxed together in the living room area. The setup was superior for the needs of parents; she could follow her regular schedule and we were not disrupting her by being in the same room. The setup also worked well during the day when Darren was working. He could have private space even when Athena and I were inside.

We spend our last night at Ocean Sands Resort enjoying a leisurely walk along the boardwalk as a family. The sun was setting behind the resorts, the weather was perfect, and entertainment surrounded us. We took Athena to the water and splashed her feet in the waves. With wide-eyed wonder, she hesitantly let the waves rush over her feet.

I didn’t let my mind wander; I wanted to take it all in; I wanted to live in the moment. I realized that being on the beach with my daughter and husband was the accumulation of all of my hopes and dreams for life.

When we returned to the room, I felt as if I’d been at the spa. I was in an overall state of euphoria. If I had to live a Groundhog Day, I’d chose that last day at Ocean Sands Resort. We were rejuvenated and as deeply in love as the day we were married, only now that love encompassed Athena as well.