Coming Out of the Storm

July 11,2023

Getting to the beach this year was more challenging than I ever expected. I have come to Wrightsville Beach or the Outer Banks of North Carolina for a week almost every summer of my life. I am lucky that although I have never been wealthy, my family and I are both middle class and devout savers. A week at the beach is viewed as a necessity just like paying the mortgage or saving for retirement. The fantasy of long walks on the beach, gently waves lapping at my toes and fresh seafood has carried me through many a chilly winter snow or difficult task at work. We typically book a trip in January when most of the cottages are available and our need for thoughts of warm summer days peaks.

This year, my mother and I drove down together for the whole week. My husband, youngest son and his girlfriend are coming later, when their work schedules allow. We left Richmond mid-morning with a full tank of gas, lots of beach gear, and the optimistic thought of getting groceries before our 4 pm check in. I drove the first shift since I am comfortable with 64/95 traffic through downtown Richmond and the most congested part of the drive. We switched drivers at the North Carolina line. I was able to check my phone and it showed weather alerts for a large storm system heading our way from the west. After lunch I took over driving again and the downpour hit.  Never have I driven 95/40 in such intense rain. It was cats and dogs and extremely poor visibility for the next 90 minutes. I slowed to 35 miles per hour in a 70 zone and took the lead of other drivers who turned on their emergency flashers to improve their visibility.

It is good that life has helped me to develop nerves of steel. I was able to stay calm, focus on the road and eventually come out on the other side. Just before the interstate ended in Wilmington, the storm cleared, and the sun broke through the clouds. We made it to the cottage by 4:30 pm and unpacked before the storm caught up to us again. We even managed a very short walk out to the beach before a lifeguard signaled for everyone to leave due to lightning.

Finally, after almost two days at the beach I am shedding the stress of home and the storm that accompanied me on my journey here. Extra sleep, walks on the beach, and lots of time sitting under an umbrella have helped me to let go and recharge. I am reminded that I never know what will come next, but it is essential that I build in time to recover from the challenges life presents. It never hurts to save for a rainy day…and hopefully, some of them will be sunny and lovely as well.