My grandmother “Mema” was a significant part of my childhood, and she left a lasting impact on my life. She was an incredibly patient and kind person who taught me how to paint, and fire ceramics. When I showed a sudden interest in stamp collecting, she immediately rummaged through her desk collecting old letters, then showed me how to soak the stamps off and then dry them. She gardened and encouraged me to help, letting me pick the first strawberries and eat them right from the plant. I have so many fond memories of her, but some of my most cherished are the times we spent on road trips.

Gulf Coast

She had a deep love for the ocean. Especially the Gulf Coast of Florida or Alabama. Fishing was one of her favorite activities, and she would often pull over on a road trip to find the perfect fishing spot near a bridge. On one road trip she took my brother Charles and I to visit her sister and family who lived in Gulf Shores. I remember her spotting a potential fishing hole from the highway and pulling off the road so the three of us could take a break and try to catch something.

We also fished together from beach piers in Florida where she taught me how to bait and cast my line. These were my first experiences of seeing pelicans grab your catch, and other fisherman pulling in sharks.

My memories of her at the beach are so closely held, that my husband and I named our fish cleaning station at our St. George Island beach rental “Mema’s Fish ‘N Shells” as a way to remember her and have her at the beach with us.

Collecting Memories

Aside from fishing, my grandmother loved the beach, the water and the sand. She liked to wade in the waves. She loved the birds, the sounds and the breezes. She would collect driftwood and shells, and once created a shadow box of shells for me when I was a young girl. Many years later when my son expressed interest in her shells, beach critters and science, she made a display that included dozens of shell varieties – carefully mounted and labeled.

As I was sifting through some old papers and memories this week, I found a letter Mema sent me in 2015. It contained a poem titles “At the Seashore.” It’s a beautiful tribute to the beach, and it reminded me of her, so I wanted to share it here…

“At the Seashore”

Take me to the seashore,

Let me walk upon the sand.

Help me feel the bonding

That comes with God and man.

Let me hear the roar of water

In the sea shells that I find,

As I shiver from the cold

With my feet planted in the brine.

I marvel at the sunset,

As I stand in the water’s foam,

And I feel the spray upon me

While I’m standing here alone.

There is a peace within me,

As I watch each wave roll in.

I know that God is with me . . .

He is my Protector and my Friend.

~ Gloria Swan Kennedy

Are you planning a Gulf Coast vacation? We’d love to host you at Beach, Love & Happiness on St. George Island off Florida’s Panhandle on the Gulf Coast of Florida. This area is called the “Forgotten Coast” and is known for beautiful beaches and dark starry nights.