----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever."
-jacques yves cousteau
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Ocean,
I was just eight or nine when we first met, but I knew I loved you at once. It might have been your waves crashing the long strand of carmel sand that first drew me in. I can't say for sure now. It could have been your music that you so easily provide. Creating a symphony of clapping, thundering and crashing for all to abide. Up and down the coastal highway, I was lost in your vastness.
I did not see you for many years, but again I found you. As I grew older, I knew I couldn't be too far away. I soon realized you were a companion that understood without any words needing to be said.
Again and again I returned to see you. But, always did I have to leave.
My thoughts were drawn to you often and soon I found myself living near your shore. I wanted to be able to see you more.
Now that you are my ever-present friend, I seek out your wonder whenever time lends. And, sometimes, still now, our visits are too far apart.
And what I have found is that no matter the time or distance, your companionship is still sought. Your different personalities has shown me what you truly are--you can be so many things. You can be gray and angry or crystal clear and ice blue. You can be warm or cold. You are a home and a shelter. You are church and spirit. You are life and power. You are flexible yet sometimes unforgiving. You fall on distant sands. And, most of all, you have helped to show me, me.
So I write you this letter from my heart, to thank you and acknowledge you for all you have done. I know you'll be a traveling companion of mine helping me to learn more, experience more and embrace more, to be open and yet strong. You'll be my friend for my whole life long.
Till I see you again,
Jessica
