I searched alone.
Finding small scalloped shape shells with at least one horizontal maroon
stripe on the shell, I collected as many as I could. Once reuniting with the others, I was amazed
at all the different types of shells each one of us had gathered. No one collected the same shell. Each of us focused on one particular shape and
size. I could not get over this.
Although I made a comment about it, we were in a rush so I do not know the
reaction of the others.
I had never been on a beach with so many shells of so many
varieties. Maybe I was, but never noticed it.
The beauty of nature and God’s creation was right in front of me and I
noticed it. I was so lucky to have been a part of that moment. I talked about the
sea shell collectors on Captiva Island for months, showing everyone I could my
shells. In my excitement to share the
experience, I gave a few shells away.
In retrospect, the shells represented us, all different and
unique. Although we were celebrating being forty years old, most of us never
met prior to the trip. It was just a “friend connection’ based on our birth
year. We all enjoyed the trip to Sanibel
Island for a long weekend with Captiva Island being a side trip. We all
respected each other and enjoyed each other company. More importantly, we
became sea shell collectors together.
