1 ocean 2 hours 9 moods
The frigid Atlantic Ocean waves crashed all around.
With sun blazing on our backs and saltwater on our lips, glistening stones sparkled in the light before us. Our footsteps vanished into the sand after each receding wave. Boogie boarders tossed, turned, and glided by. We were lost in the moment as we foraged before the rising tide. The holy grail might be oval, round, or even heart-shaped. It could be purple, white, grey, or cream colored. Some had veins, others displayed spots, while others were decorated with patterns.
Our prizes were ordinary, yet precious. They were stones washing ashore, tumbling to and fro under the frothy foam. We were quick to snatch them before the next wave gobbled them back.
With virtual schooling, my teenage daughters and I found ourselves together more than ever. Then with the summer-that-wasn’t, Cassie’s Mitzvah (good deed) project allowed us to deepen our bonds by reconnecting with a favorite family ritual. We’ve always loved to search for cool and interesting stones as keepsakes from our travel adventures together and from my photo assignments around the world. We love the textures and patterns. But, most importantly, we love the connection to the experiences and the memories they create.
This cherished tradition became a metaphoric life-preserver in turbulent times this year.
Our big escape was along the majestic dune-lined ocean beaches of Wellfleet, Cape Cod, where time momentarily stood still. The catch of the day was as elusive as the crabs we sought off the marina docks in town. Our conquest was the bounty of polished stones from the vast Atlantic.
All this inspired by one young lady’s generous heart and determined mind fused with creativity and kindness.
I imagined the journey of these once jagged rocks, born from larger ones and traversing great distances. Carried by tides, storms, and the elements for days, months, and years. I mused on the origins of these rocks as if they were adolescents, much like my daughters. Their identities developing, yet to be
fully-formed. Their character evolving, with sharp edges, unsettled, and seeking to find their place. I like to think the ocean journey infuses wisdom and kindness within each rock as the rough edges smooth over.
Each Kindness Rock becomes more polished as it finds its path and its place on shore, calling to be discovered.
These symbolic mementos celebrate the concept of L’Dor V’Dor, the Jewish tradition of passing on spiritual knowledge and cultural traditions from generation to generation.
These ordinary yet extraordinary stones will indeed connect generations, as they’re passed back and forth in Cassie’s Kindness Rocks project.
Stay tuned for more.
