Once you cross the suspension bridge across the Storms River, you come to a very small boulder-strewn beach that boasts a variety of rocks that have been tumbled and smoothed by the action of the waves.
Over the years our four grandchildren have visited this beach and been fascinated by the size, shapes and colours of these rocks – and experienced the thrill of escaping the odd wave that is closer than they had thought.
We have listened to the magical rumble as the rocks roll over and clink together when drawn back by the sea, only to be pushed up the gentle slope by the next wave.
The magic of this beautiful place is best shared with the joy of watching my children, and in recent years, my grandchildren exploring the rocks, laughing as they too tumble over or calling out with glee when an especially beautiful rock / stick / piece of sponge is discovered. They built towers too – choosing their rocks with care. It was not the same without them this time. Instead, I sat on the warm rocks for a while and let my memories float about me, listening to the echoes of their voices and the all too distant sounds of their joy mingle with the splashes of the waves … And so it was, my dear, dear grandchildren, that I set about making a tower for all of you.
Every stone I used came with a memory of each of you – over and over. The tower will have been knocked over with the next high tide that brings waves strong enough and high enough to smooth out and level the rocks again. That does not matter for memories and love are much stronger than those natural forces. So, it was with each of you in my heart that I left this small tower behind – for all of you!
Wat ń pragtige skrywe, Anne! Jy laat my sommer nou ook na my klein mensies verlang met jou toring vol gedagtes.
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Ek het my klein mensies LANG laas gesien. Ek is bly jy verstaan.
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How your littlest grandchildren would have loved to be there with you!
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There was such an ache in my heart: grandchildren are SO special!!!
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Beautiful, Anne!
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Thank you, Peter. It seemed the fitting thing to do in their collective absence.
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Absolutely delightful
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I am pleased that you find it so, Derrick.
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Yes, magic!
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Thank you very much, Joy.
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Simply beautiful, Anne. A lovely tribute!
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I appreciate your comment, Eliza. I have not seen my grandchildren for ever so long!
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So very lovely! Brought tears to my eyes. How we miss those that we love. By the time the pandemic is over, it will have been two years since I last saw my children. Sigh.
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Laurie, my heart goes out to you – I feel the same.
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Ai Anne, dis kenmerkend jy, om verlange in iets moois tot uiting te bring! Daardie strandjie is iets besonders…
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Baie dankie hiervoor.
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Memories such as those you describe are priceless and your grandchildren will carry them close to their hearts for a lifetime. I know! My children are in their mid thirties and still remember the tiniest details of times spent with their now deceased grandparents who emigrated to the UK when they were still young children.
I can only imagine how hard it must be for you being deprived of the company of your precious grandchildren.
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Thank you so much for these positive thoughts!
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I hear a grandma’s heartache at not having had her grandchildren on her lap for far too long…
I hope and pray that the wait will not be much longer, Anne.
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You are very kind, Dries.
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What a lovely post, Anne!
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Thank you very much, Belinda!
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What a beautiful and sadly poignant post Anne. These are tough times indeed as we wait and hope.
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At least I can look forward to seeing my two youngest grandchildren (and their parents, of course!) before the year closes – the provincial borders MUST remain open at least until then!
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I do hope that you do all get together and that the travel remains possible.
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Beautiful. Loved this description a lot, I miss the ocean.
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Thank you very much, Christa.
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