We have been visiting Myrtle Beach now for 9 consecutive years. Although we've done pretty much everything the city has to offer, we continue to return year after year. This year I asked both Tyler and Samantha privately if they even wanted to come back in 2016... maybe they'd like to try someplace new. But almost immediately both of them responded YES!
So these last few days, I asked myself why Myrtle Beach continues to draw us back. And although I'm not sure how the kids would respond, I've come up with a pretty solid answer for myself.
Coming to Myrtle Beach reminds me of the FUN we've had. I see snapshots of some exciting things we've done through out the years. We have experienced so many of our FIRSTS there...first time crab hunting, first time body surfing, first time using a potty... the list goes on and on.
In those snapshots, I see the faces of my husband, my children, Rog & Gretchen, Dean & Jenny, JC and Mary. I remember the laughter heard with Katie, our parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews. It reminds me of so many MEMORIES we've shared with each other and with FAMILY and with FRIENDS.
But its not only the happy memories that I remember. I remember taking Tyler to the emergency room and the exact location where Sammy had a tantrum. Each time we visit the aquarium, I think back to all our previous trips and I watch, in my minds' eye, as my kids grow up and mature. I remember how nervous I was the first time we went on the jet skis and how much we prepared the kids for our first visit to the Pirate show. Although not all the memories were happy, they each bring joy. These memories show me how far we've come. They remind me of God's provision and love.
I will treasure these times spent in Myrtle Beach forever in my heart... and this trip, I realized that my darling children will too! Love you guys!
