I had a full circle moment yesterday.
Those of you that have known me a while know that I was a total “surfer dude” growing up. Spiccoli was my idol. My main ambition was skimboarding. You know, the pseudo surfboard thing that you ride along the shore break. I was totally into this. Just about every weekend of my teen years was spent at the beach doing this. I even have proof!
Shredding...
Yeah, that’s me back in the day. I probably couldn’t stand on the thing now. Or if I was able to, my knee would probably rip to shreds again. Anyway, we were preparing to head out to St. Augustine for a couple days recently and Austin out of nowhere told me to bring my old board. I was able to fit it in the car (thanks to my Dad for passing down the “packing” gene) while the whole time thinking I’d just be giving this thing a ride across state in the car and it would never be used. But it wasn’t long before he asked to use it and he wasn’t half bad for a beginner.
As I sat and watched, I couldn’t help but think back on all the good times I had on that board. My buddy Todd and I tearing up Treasure Island. My brother and I skimming in Delaware in December. Me trying to handle the heavy surf in La Jolla, CA while my parents watched. That board had been so many places with me and had been a part of so many good experiences. I just found myself lost for a few moments in thought. Thoughts about how I didn’t truly appreciate those times like I should have. Thoughts about how close me and my brother were and how I miss that. Thoughts about how carefree that time in my life was.
So there was my son. More than 20 years after I sent off to have that board custom made, there he was riding it. I never imagined back when I was riding it, that 20 years later, my little boy would be riding it. I only hope he can take some time and appreciate the moment. I know I certainly appreciated and savored this moment.
Shredding
