OCBP

In the frenzy of preparing for our move this Saturday, I nearly neglected an Ocean City vacay entry. My apologies. The week long respite was a fabulous occasion to observe Eowyn and Malachi finally become fast friends (yes- likened to Anne of Green Gables’ “kindred spirits”), for they truly relished the company of the other. While Eowyn was gracious in forgiving Malachi for smacking her in the head with a Whiffle bat, he patiently endured her lump-like presence on nearly every ride (Without Malachi’s girth, Eowyn would have been a train ride casualty-see pictures.) Thankfully, though frigid, the ocean was free of jellyfish, seaweed and hypodermic needles and for a brief-but elusive- moment one night on the boardwalk, I felt like a teenager again: While congregating by the music pier sans baby, a 14-year old boy approached me and gallantly declared, “Hey, What’s up?” Despite feeling a bit like “Mrs. Robinson”, I was (sadly) flattered, until just a mere moment later- when my reunion with Eowyn compelled him to literally flee to the safety of his Middle School posse. His friends were all laughing...at me. As I pondered this event, while pushing a stroller down the boardwalk, feeding my daughter Johnson’s Popcorn, I realized, with great lucidity, that the torch has been passed to the next generation of OC enthusiasts. Now, I have assumed the role of the crazy parent, cheering as my child does faux laps in tiny sailboat or wildly snapping photos as she precariously rides astride the carousel pony. There really is joy to be found in the happiness of others- especially my beloved daughter. (How’s that for pedantic sentiment!) So, I guess it is time to retire that ever impressive OC Beach Patrol sweatshirt and proudly sport the one with delicately embroidered oceanic landscape in a conservative baby blue.