The Ocean of You

One of the most beautiful places on earth is the Gulf Coast of Florida, often called the "Emerald Coast." This is the Destin, Fort Walton Beach area. Growing up in California, I was not familiar with this area until I married Rex, who is from Alabama. Everyone in Alabama knows about the Emerald Coast. This was Rex's sister Linda's favorite place in the world. It is a slice of heaven. Sugar white sand beaches, clear and brilliant turquoise water, bright sunshine, stunning. It is one of America's best kept secrets. I have been to the Caribbean and it has nothing over the Emerald Coast in the beauty department. Linda always wanted to retire there. And, it will be her final resting place. At her memorial service yesterday, one of my poem's was read in honor of her:

THE OCEAN OF YOU

I will let go, I am ready
For I know the direction I am heading
All of my rivers flow into the ocean of you.

I may drift, I may flounder
But the current will urge me onward
The moon and stars will lead me, into the ocean of you.

If I try to cling or push, impatient
I'll miss the glory of the ride
Over rocks, through twists and turns, into the ocean of you.

The salt of my tears, of my sweat
Make me but thirst for your cool refreshment
Draw my heart and soul, into the ocean of you.

I will let go, I am ready
I know where my life is heading
All of my rivers flow into the ocean of you.