The Beach House

As someone who has tasted the salty air of the Jersey Shore each summer for the past 26 years, I find it hard to imagine a season without sand between my toes and the sound of the waves in my ears. The shore has been a constant companion throughout my life, witnessing my growth, my joys, and yes, my occasional teenage sulks.

Every summer, my mother and I would pack up our lives and spend the warmest months in our cherished shore house. These were times of laughter and bonding, times that became the backdrop to the beautiful relationship we share. Our beach-bound journey would be soundtracked by mix CDs, the rhythms and melodies forming an inseparable part of our shoreline memories.

As I entered my teens, yes, there was a time when I resisted the annual ritual. Yearning to hang out with my friends, I grumbled about spending another summer at the beach. But looking back, I don’t regret a single moment because it is those very moments that have etched a special place in my heart.

One of the highlights of our summertime routine was spending time with my mom's extended family. Cookouts were a regular affair, with a spread that included hamburgers, hot dogs, spaghetti & crabs, and of course, the fabulous clam bake!

But amidst all these, what I cherish the most is the time spent with my mom. The long stretches of just ‘us time’, filled with endless chats, laughter, and some hilariously memorable mishaps. Like that one time when we were caught in a storm trying to put up an awning, or when our dog hitched a ride back home on a stranger's pickup, or when we got stranded on the beach - I truly wish Uber existed back then!

Imagine being able to chronicle your growth through the lens of a photo booth. This has been a beloved tradition for me and my mother - capturing our changing portraits each summer since I was just 8 years old. The strips of photos serve as a pictorial timeline, a reflection of our evolving relationship and the journey of life that we've shared. But it's not just the photobooths. My dad and I also have a heartwarming tradition - a selfie in front of the Ocean City ferris wheel. These images, filled with joy and nostalgia, have become our personal keepsakes of warm summer days and unforgettable memories.

The shore continues to be a significant part of my life even today. As I introduce my husband to this beautiful coastal love of mine, the shore, with its sea-kissed air and sunlit beauty, is slowly shaping him into a 'shore person' as well.

What does the shore mean to me? It's difficult to describe in a few words. Yet, it symbolizes soulful connections, timeless traditions, and unforgettable memories. It's more than just a vacation spot; it's a home away from home, it's a part of who I am.

Perhaps, it's not just the location that matters. It's the memories we create, and the company we keep that paints an ordinary place with extraordinary hues. The shore, with its enchanting allure, will always hold a special place in my heart, not only for the memories created there but for the loved ones who made them unforgettable.