Happy AnyWay

I sit on the beach and look past my sand-covered toes at the bobbing heads that are my family.  And I am completely happy. 
Happy that Hillary and Parker are jumping waves and boogie boarding and enjoying the ocean without fear.  Happy that my husband is egging them on, calling out things for them to try and outdoing them with his underwater flips. 
And Happy that they let me sit, enjoying the beach my favorite way...watching the glittering horizon...reading my book...holding my umbrella over my too-sun-sensitive skin. 
Occasionally they come back, one at a time or grouped together, and drip all over my blanket.  They breathlessly describe the fun they've been having and take treats out of the cooler.  They give me kisses with cold wet lips and then they head off into the surf for another round. 
I have always tried to let my children be who they are.  And with a little trial and error they seem to have discovered some things they like and some things they don't.  Some things they have in common and some things that are unique to each one.  I revel in it...this "to each his own" freedom in our family.
But I am still surprised when they return the favor.  They always let me know that they would be happy for me to join them...but they carry their happiness out to sea with them when I politely decline.
And we are happy...any way!