Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Things That Dreams Are Made Of

Lazy Sanibel Days……


Where and when did it all begin? I think the love of water and tropical places has always been in my heart; I am an Aquarius, after all. But, growing up on a farm in Central Missouri was not the beginning needed to make that possible. My parents and I did spend most of our weekends, holidays and vacations on the river or lake. The time there was spent fishing, boat riding and water skiing.


After raising three daughters, each of them now with their own lives and children nearly grown, it was possible for me to spend more time in a place where I had vacationed over the years. I once again, made a trip to my favorite Island Sanibel; a few months after Hurricane Charley had passed through that area in 2004. It was very upsetting to arrive on the island and see damages that were still left behind. I had talked to many others on a Sanibel message board who were also concerned, during and after that terrible storm. That included people who lived on the island and also many other places. Each of them also had a special love for the place, due to vacationing or living there. They all became good friends, making it possible for me to return as often as I liked.


I made more visits during the next year, bringing the grandchildren, daughters and my Father. Each time I was there, I liked it more, even though I never thought about living there. I had imagined that after being exposed to this tropical splendor for an extended period of time, it would become ordinary like every other place I had lived. By the end of 2005 I kept extending my visits longer and longer each time. By 2006 I was staying nearly full time. As of 2008 I know it is my permanent home. The island has a way of luring you to stay. I have never been as relaxed and happy as I am here.


I’ve had chronic arthritis problems for more years than I care to remember, and I’ve gotten so much relief since I’ve been staying here. I don’t know why, for sure. I think that being in the sunshine more and also the relaxing; stress free lifestyle is the main reason. But, after years of painful joints, trying every new kind of drug that came out, (not being able to take them on a consistent basis.), repeated epidural injections, nerve root injections, surgery, etc and still in pain; this is a blessed relief! No more freezing cold winters for me. Here, I have no hard physical work; I only do what I feel like doing. It’s the same as being on a full time vacation. When I was only coming here on vacation, I wondered if people who called this home, got so used to the scenery that they finally didn’t notice the beauty anymore. After nearly 2½ years, I can honestly say, I don’t think that could ever happen.


I plan to spend the rest of my ‘Lazy Days’ right here in paradise, where each beautiful sunrise is the beginning of another happy day. I’ll enjoy the myriad of beautiful trees and blooming flowers as they sparkle with the morning dew. I’ll walk on the soft, white sand as it lays waiting for the tides to come and go; where the sea shells make a tinkling sound, as the swell of the waves tries to carry them back out to sea. I’ll watch the pelicans dive and then bounce up and down with the waves; see the dolphins swim past and wait for a glimpse of a manatee as it surfaces for a breath of air. I will think of how wonderful it is to be free when an Eagle flies overhead and listen to the cries of the osprey and seagulls. I’ll chuckle to myself as the little sandpipers scamper back and forth with each incoming wave. Then, I’ll watch another magnificent sunset as it slips into a relaxing night, with the most magical show of stars I have ever seen. I will sleep soundly because this tropical paradise is what dreams are made of.

5 comments:

Snowbird said...

Tootie, you took the words right out of my mouth. I echo everything you said about living in Paradise. I just feel so lucky to be able to live there as much as I do. Sweeping sand off the deck sure beats shoveling snow off of the front walk!!

Tink *~*~* said...

That was an awesome essay about making the move to paradise. Applause, applause! I can't wait to retire...

Tink *~*~*

Dale said...

Beautiful sentiments, Tootie. I'd love to be able to join you in retirement at Sanibel one day.

Tammy said...

I was also raised in Missouri but have now relocated to Texas. I'm curious to know where in MO you're from. I'll keep reading and see if I find out!

Unknown said...

Ahhhhhhhh..................