Everything Was New

It was a magical time back then. Everything was a new experience, and our adventures took us in many directions. We learned and absorbed everything about our island world. When I was just seven years old, my family started spending our summers on an island in the Pacific Northwest. My siblings and I treasured those times, knowing even then that those months and years were special, and should not be taken for granted.

Friendships were formed with other kids on the beach, and those bonds were strong and everlasting – even to this day, though we were all different, came from different places, and lived elsewhere and far apart the rest of the year. Those were the days that mattered, the ones that had the most meaning to us. The summer months were ours, and on the island we were a team.

The beach cottage we stayed in was modest in nature, and didn’t matter much anyway, as we were mostly outside. That is where the adventure usually was. We spent our days exploring newly discovered trails in the woods, hidden beach alcoves, windy cliffs, and taking in spectacular views that seemed meant only for us. At night we gazed up at the star filled sky, roasted marshmallows over the beach fire, and fell asleep in our sleeping bags. Our dog kept watch over us.

Adventures were welcomed and explored. Mysteries were contemplated, investigated, and attempted to be solved. There were unknowns everywhere, and so much was exceptional, wondrous, and miraculous. It was a time and a feeling that was amazing, and when anything seemed possible, and was incredible for just that very reason.

Casey Wilds