Coppertone, Chlorine and Sunshine

After a week of moaning, begging, and sullen, forlorn stares, I finally gave in and took the girls to Lake Lanier Beach and Water Park today. My anxiety was twofold—first I haven't been in the sun, tanning bed, or even applied the first drop of self tanner in about two years. Looking at me in bright direct sunlight is probably akin to someone shining a Xenon flashlight into your eyes when you're not expecting it, so I stayed in the shade most of the day. Secondly, I haven't donned a swimsuit in about a year. Seeing pictures of myself circa Spring Break '08 cured me of ever wanting to be seen in public again, much less in a swimsuit. I weep for that poor woman and the sadness that consumed her. I nervously rifled through the various sizes and brands of swimsuits I've collected over the years—Victoria's Secret...not quite yet...Land's End...not that big anymore...Old Navy...too cutesy...I finally slipped into a black one piece, and breathed a sigh of relief...perfect. 

One thing about being half naked in a crowd is that there is always someone, or many someones who look worse than you do. People, let me tell you, I thought Six Flags was the place to go to feel better about yourself, well—two words, water. park. Oh yeah. I walked outta that place feelin' downright sexy, baby!! Some of the worst sights weren't the back fat and cellulite, but the dark, leathery, wrinkled skin. It was frightening. I mean, there comes a point when you are tan enough. Admittedly, everyone looks better in the summer with a sun kissed glow, but these people looked sun dried! Every once in a while I'd catch one of them curiously looking over at me in the shade, in my big sun hat and dark glasses at which point I would casually cross my legs, making sure the sun's rays reflected off my alabaster skin causing them momentary blindness...yeah...enjoy your melanoma...I'm going to look as young as I can for as long as I can, thank you very much!! 

My favorite part of today was coming home. The girls smelled like Coppertone, chlorine and sunshine. Their cheeks pink and freckled, and their faces alight with smiles. The pure, honest smiles that only come from children. Yeah, it is in these moments that they show me what life is all about...they make me a better person...they become my teachers...they never let me forget my inner child...Never take for granted the little things, or the present moments, for it is in them that we will find ourselves.