Every fall we go to my favorite spot in Maine for a short vacation (long weekend really).  My family started going to this place when I was about 3 and so I have been going there on and off for almost 40 years now.  I love the chance to introduce my children to a place where I remember vividly growing up.  I can see myself at different stages in life.  I also remember that I was allowed (I am sure by Harry's age), to go down to the beach in the mornings to wander and play.  I was an early riser and Harry is one as well.  We spent most of our time on the beach when we were in Maine, but we were there in the summertime.  We still spend a fair amount of time wandering the beach and climbing rocks, but it is a fair amount colder in October so there isn't usually as much swimming and sandcastling.

We are at the stage of childhood with Harry where we need to let go more often and it is easier to do.  He has demonstrated that he won't hurt himself on the the rocks and is a good climber.  He also shows the ability to take care of himself in different situations.  I may be somewhat appalled occasionally by what comes out of his mouth, but I do know he is capable of taking care of himself in public.  I have also learned that he has a strong sense of justice and wants to step in where injustice is being perpetrated.  This is a bit scary, because he is a little guy and sometimes seems to think he can right the wrongs of older stronger children.  Of course I worry that they will simply stomp on him and continue their bullying or whatever, but I am proud that he wants to help.

Harry is in constant motion and his mind is always working.  There aren't too many times that he simply stands and looks out to sea.  I guess that is why I like this picture of him looking at the view in front of him.  I was a child who had a favorite rock and spent a great deal of time, just contemplating the ocean and the world around me and lost in my imagination.  Harry isn't still for his imaginary time, but he definitely spends a great deal of time just lost in his own world.

I think I also like this picture, because more and more, I find myself having to let go.  It is a feeling tinged with excitement and regret.  There is so much the world has to offer all of us, but when we have to watch our children move forward it can be scary and difficult to imagine them moving on in a world that isn't always gentle or fair.  I know he will have to learn some things the hard way and suffer pain and that is a good thing, but if I could take every hit for him, I would do so.