by Heather Hogan

Created on: March 16, 2009

While standing on the beach and surveying my surroundings I realize there are hundreds of people around me laughing and frolicking in the water and sand. A moment ago I was just standing there listening to the surf pound against the sand. I was in awe of the thunderous sound the water could make while it folded inside out and arrived at it's destination, the shore. My son snapped me out of my trance, he screamed, "mommy, I need a towel. My eyes are burning." Cade was running out of the water holding his eyes. Obviously, the salt water didn't feel good on his little corneas. But I am not sure how much pushing his eyes balls into the back of his head was helping.

When he distracted me from my moment of exhilaration and my realization of how powerful a wave is, I smiled from ear to ear, scooped him up, dried his eyes, put him on my lap, and together we sat on my beach chair and listened together to the sound of the surf. After I told him what I was listening to, and told him how incredible the sound we were listening to he was also in awe. He is seven.

What is really incredible to me is that Cade and I were able to block out all the other sounds on the beach; all the people laughing, and having an incredible time with their families and friends. The sound of the wave crashing brought Cade and I even closer on the beach that day. It was as if we shared a secret that hundreds of other people didn't know.

Cade looked into my eyes and said, "you're the best mommy!" I said, "I love you honey!" A sound brought us together for a special moment. After the moment was over, I built sandcastles with my son and rejoiced in all the laughter, and banter I was hearing.

I love hearing my children tell me how much they love me. And I love to see the look on my children's face when they hear the words, "Mommy loves you more than anything in the entire world." I love it when I give praise to someone and they light up like a Christmas tree. There is nothing better than interacting with someone that is obviously having bad day, and then telling them a truthful statement about them. Maybe it is a thank you so much for your kindness, or you are wearing a lovely scarf, or your children are so well behaved, or maybe it is, you have a beautiful smile, or your perfume is lovely, or your dog is so cute, it could be your hair looks fabulous today, whatever positive message you send to a person, the moment that person hears your words a smile appears on their face.

I have a rule; I must say something

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