Mom and I had no idea what to expect when we drove up to Rockport, Texas. It was my first time to see the city. Mom had vacationed there before, only about 30 years prior. So, it was an adventure for both of us. We heard that it was a fishing community, which sounded, well, a little bit scary.
The drive there seemed to promise that we were headed for redneck living. On hand-painted business signs, we noticed "Captain Bill's Wife's Place" and "Alice's Hair Shop." Both looked like little run down shacks that appeared to be highly visited. Mom and I knew that we were going to love Rockport, an escape from the big city!
Next, we hit the downtown area, a strip of country road with stores on each side. Jewerly (mom's favorite), art, clothes, and antiques. We celebrated the prospects of a busy shopping day. The most joyous moment was when we pulled up to our cottage, a purple square with a porch facing the ocean. It's perfect! Simple, small, comfortable, quiet, and right in front of the ocean.
I was convinced that we were in a redneck town, full of fishers and beer drinkers, until I noticed the million dollar houses sitting on the other side of the bay. They were all beautiful. Each of them with their own dock and boat, ready for a late night fishing trip. Chad later explained to me that the rednecks and millionaires all blend together in Rockport. It's a fascinating culture; a town not overly cultiv
ated, but populated by millionaires and hillbillies, all wearing the same overalls and sharing the same purpose, to catch fish.
Mom and I didn't have a ton on the agenda...we left our fishing poles at home...which was exactly what we wanted, nothing to do! We swam at the pool, stared at the ocean, and shopped. I drove down to Corpus to visit my friends, Chad and Amy, which was certainly a highlight. Probably my favorite thing about our trip was how much mom and I talked. We sat on the pier every night, watching the flying fish show off and the sun fade behind the horizon, and talked about whatever came to mind. We talked about how creative God was, when He created all of the animals and insects...and, how it would have been so interesting to hear Him explain the details of every critter He planned to create. We talked about denominations and how traditions really shape a person's belief in God. Mom told me about her childhood, and the trips she used to take to Rockport. We even talked about Brittney (who isn't talking about Brittney?)
You know, I really think we miss an important piece of life when we don't slow down enough to talk. Not just talk about what is going on in your life and interesting details in the news, but talk long enough that you just share the random thoughts that circulate through your head. I love sitting with someone long enough to hear what they actually think about. It's refreshing to know someone that well...to feel at peace with the silence, and feel the freedom to explore any topic. Those are the moments that build lasting friendships. I want to make more time for that.
The drive there seemed to promise that we were headed for redneck living. On hand-painted business signs, we noticed "Captain Bill's Wife's Place" and "Alice's Hair Shop." Both looked like little run down shacks that appeared to be highly visited. Mom and I knew that we were going to love Rockport, an escape from the big city!
Next, we hit the downtown area, a strip of country road with stores on each side. Jewerly (mom's favorite), art, clothes, and antiques. We celebrated the prospects of a busy shopping day. The most joyous moment was when we pulled up to our cottage, a purple square with a porch facing the ocean. It's perfect! Simple, small, comfortable, quiet, and right in front of the ocean.
I was convinced that we were in a redneck town, full of fishers and beer drinkers, until I noticed the million dollar houses sitting on the other side of the bay. They were all beautiful. Each of them with their own dock and boat, ready for a late night fishing trip. Chad later explained to me that the rednecks and millionaires all blend together in Rockport. It's a fascinating culture; a town not overly cultiv
ated, but populated by millionaires and hillbillies, all wearing the same overalls and sharing the same purpose, to catch fish.Mom and I didn't have a ton on the agenda...we left our fishing poles at home...which was exactly what we wanted, nothing to do! We swam at the pool, stared at the ocean, and shopped. I drove down to Corpus to visit my friends, Chad and Amy, which was certainly a highlight. Probably my favorite thing about our trip was how much mom and I talked. We sat on the pier every night, watching the flying fish show off and the sun fade behind the horizon, and talked about whatever came to mind. We talked about how creative God was, when He created all of the animals and insects...and, how it would have been so interesting to hear Him explain the details of every critter He planned to create. We talked about denominations and how traditions really shape a person's belief in God. Mom told me about her childhood, and the trips she used to take to Rockport. We even talked about Brittney (who isn't talking about Brittney?)
You know, I really think we miss an important piece of life when we don't slow down enough to talk. Not just talk about what is going on in your life and interesting details in the news, but talk long enough that you just share the random thoughts that circulate through your head. I love sitting with someone long enough to hear what they actually think about. It's refreshing to know someone that well...to feel at peace with the silence, and feel the freedom to explore any topic. Those are the moments that build lasting friendships. I want to make more time for that.
1 comment:
What a joy it is to be blessed with a daughter that will take the time to share moments like this! The trip will always be a highlight and a delightful memory for me of a much needed "time out" for nostalgia and sweet reflections. Much water has passed under the bridge for Me AND for Rockport since my mom and dad took me on many a "deep sea" fishing expedition to this little rustic spot on the Texas coast, but, I found the return visit to be both extremely satisfying and very therapeutic. One of the positive aspects of aging (as I turn 60 this year!), is to be able to reflect on a wealth of sweet memories and value the time God allowed to be invested in these small seemingly insignificant events. It truly is important to MAKE the time...Thank you, Carissa, I love you! - Mom
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