Island (Life).

It’s been a while since I’ve had the time to sit and write - and even this is a brief touch-down. For the past four months, we’ve been navigating many things; moving, death, grief, and professional whatnots.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I decided we needed to escape for a bit, just us. An entirely unlike us, spur-of-the-moment out-of-the-country trip. It’s been a while since we’ve had the opportunity, and like many married with children, we don’t do a great job of prioritizing the need for that.

So here we are, the mesmerizing pink sand beaches of the Bahamas, tucked away on this magical hidden gem of Harbour Island. A 15-minute walk will take you from one side of the island to another, an island that is home to the most wonderful people I have ever met. We are learning what island time truly means, a concept that is foreign to my husband and me but is greatly welcomed and frankly needed.

The secret of Briland( as the locals call it) is where you’ll find the joy of Peter and the infectious smile of Dora, the kindness of Olivia, and the laughter of Tremmie that fills your soul; we can’t forget the warmth of James and his love of the Lakers and Rocky who can’t stand Lebron; lastly, there is Jarron who made my husbands fishing dreams become a reality. In just a few short days, these wonderful humans became people we can’t imagine not seeing again. The Queen Conch, A & A Hidden Treasures, and Eve’s on Bay Street are local spots that made our spontaneous trip a permanent fixture in our hearts.

Tonight is our last night in this little bubble of palm trees, roosters, pink sand, and island bewitchment. A place where a few rain showers only add to the allure, and you automatically settle into the white canvas chairs of the Latitude 52, sipping a Goombay Smash or Harbour Caliente (my favorite), waiting for the rain to stop. You welcome the humidity and let it envelop you like a comforting hug from your favorite person. The first time that we have already booked our return visit, and counting down the days until we can show our children this special place. And we are already thinking about ways to convince our friends to come with us. To our friends - mea culpa.

I can promise we are not the type to book international travel on a whim, let alone twice in one month, but here we are, embracing island life and soaking in the spirit of Briland.

Recently, one of my favorite people, during a quiet conversation, told me in their “nonprofessional” opinion that I needed to work on forgiving myself- they were (are) correct. They know this - sometimes, I even tell them this. In a subsequent conversation with another favorite human of mine, I brought up this quiet conversation, and they showed up at my house the next day with a book, “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget” by Lysa Terkeurst. I knew this book needed head space and breaks that involved idyllic aqua waters to process the content and grow from it. I am so lucky to have these people and their patience and grace for quiet conversations and unconditional love.

So, would I say that the pink sands of the Bahamas have the power to change your perception? No, but would I say the magic of six days spent under the Caribbean sun with the people of Briland - absolutely.

Reality will return tomorrow via a taxi, boat ride, and two airplanes, and Tuesday morning will be rough with that familiar rhythm of work, school, and life, back to a world of whatnots.

Even though we are returning to reality, we will at least be carrying hearts full of the magic of Harbour Island, a little too much sun on our faces and other areas, and the knowledge of knowing this isn’t goodbye.