getting along

Clare,

We are on the island…
24 hours into our visit.
Everyone is getting used to each other's vibe…
idiosyncrasies and unique habits.
Sometimes things are said that offend…
but it is a good lesson in tolerance.

D#2's boyfriend is very grounding and level headed…
he gets her, but calls her out then she's being dramatic.
S#1's girlfriend likes to start little battles…
she'd very maternal- she likes everyone to get along…
but she's sharp tongued and cuts others down to pull them into line.
I am trying hard to guide her through example and gentle suggestions.

The youngest- young man- got into the ocean for the first time today. He, unfortunately, lost his glasses in the first 10 minutes at the oceanside. He tried to go under without taking them off and the ocean was turbulent today. He loved jumping waves and frolicking in the ocean. Both husband and I went in with him…we aren't sure how strong a swimmer he is. He is signed up for a basket ball camp 3 mornings this week- he is thrilled. It will be good to give him his own activity and allow him to meet other kids here. He loves basketball, so it is a win-win solution. He has been hanging with my youngest who really needs some solo time- he's a lot like me.

My oldest asked each of us what we were looking forward to on the island as we ate dinner last evening, waiting for the ferry. I replied I was looking forward to be physically active- enough to be able to sit on the beach in the afternoon without moving around and also sleep well at night. I started today with a 3.5 mile walk and then biked 2 miles for a coffee. I played in the ocean for quite a while and am, indeed, ready to sleep well tonight.

No real lessons today- except seeing each person for who they are and loving them as they are. Each of us has our own unique way of handling pressure, mine is not the only right way- sometimes it's not even the right way. living together is a challenge…
but we are able to figure it out if we really want to.

Love and Light beautiful sister,
Maggie