The Sun Smiles at the Pain

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We went on a nice road trip with my daughter, son-in-law and their two boys. I had prayed for a safe, fun time at the beach and traveling. There were a few minor problems but nothing bad. Thank you, Jesus! I hope you enjoy reading a little about our travel. Hugs.

Rubbing boys shoulders with sunburn oil. The sun smiles at the pain, the brush of fingers against raw flesh. But like a war wound, those boys be proud. Offer them a salve and they scoff, don’t need that stuff. Head back to the beach. Nudge them with a board and a wave, and they take off, up to their knees, casting themselves into the sea. Cheeks and hairlines have enemies, but the boys will wait for the tan that turns them brown, puffed up, back to tell the tales to jealous schoolmates.

They won’t speak of palm trees, nor the hot sand; perhaps they will not even remember what to say, until a prompt. Perhaps they won’t shut up about the knock down, drag out fights with the ebb and flow of riptides.

They might not remember the food that filled their empty bellies, but they enjoyed each bite of burgers at Ford’s Garage in the oldest city in America. I heard from an eyewitness that it has ghosts, the city, not this particular haunt.

Packed like fish, we headed to Florida, having to use one of the back seats for the overflow of things. My oldest grandson had to endure his seat, likened to a ball turret gunner. But this pubescent heartbreaker, though cramped, loved the isolation.

Speed traps, speedy biker, ear-splitting emergency vehicles, pelicans;
and a swift breeze upon a chilly-sunburn covered up with a soft blanket and cozied up to grandma (of course this is the nine year old).

Trip back as the GPS constantly pushed us farther from home, not in miles but in minutes and hours. But the miles moved quicker than a remembered icestorm where I couldn’t get home (only 10 minutes away), so like all long travel, the kids got their first taste, and survived.

So much to say, but signing off…

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024



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Date: 4/8/2024 5:54:00 PM
Cool tale, Kim- you have a lot to say, hugs
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Date: 4/8/2024 11:27:00 AM
Hi Kim, Thanks for sharing about your amazing trip with family. It looks like your grandson's had a great time. There is nothing like spending quality time with the ones we love. Time goes by so fast , and spending time with loved ones is a must. I enjoyed the read. Have a wonderful day-Alexis
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 4/8/2024 12:21:00 PM
Thank you, Alexis! Have a wonderful day too! :)
Date: 4/8/2024 11:23:00 AM
Family trips are always fun and adventure. Such a oy we capture being with them and treasure it in memories and albums. ---Speed traps, speedy biker, ear-splitting emergency vehicles, pelicans; and a swift breeze upon a chilly-sunburn covered up with a soft blanket ---sounds like it was a travel to cherish.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 4/8/2024 12:20:00 PM
Yes, so glad we did this! Thank you, Vijay!
Date: 4/8/2024 11:22:00 AM
"Cheeks and hairlines have enemies, but the boys will wait for the tan that turns them brown, puffed up, back to tell the tales to jealous schoolmates." Love it! "Perhaps they won’t shut up about the knock down, drag out fights with the ebb and flow of riptides." Wonderful imagery. "My oldest grandson had to endure his seat, likened to a ball turret gunner. But this pubescent heartbreaker, though cramped, loved the isolation." Marvelously descriptive. Thank you for taking me along, sharing your loving family in such an endearing way. A FAV!
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 4/8/2024 12:20:00 PM
Thanks so much, Joe! Glad you came along for the ride :)
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