Shock and Awe

Yesterday we did what any good American is "supposed to" do on Labor Day - we headed to the beach. We got there early enough that parking was relatively easy, we had some "chill" alone time, and we met up with and visited friends we haven't seen in quite some time. The weather was absolutely breathtaking and we all have a fabulous time.

The only minor snag being that - ummm... I think I may have mildly traumatized poor Sweetie.

See, we got to the beach and settled on a spot to settle ourselves. After spreading the beach blanket, I sat down and took off my leg braces. My plan was to relax on the sand with my novel or crossword puzzle book while Hubby and Sweetie went off to walk along the beach and/or splash in the waves. 

But, uh..., see....  Sweetie very rarely sees me without my braces on. First thing in the morning? Yes - on my way to the bathroom to get dressed. But that's about it. And since I always wear non-skid sleep socks, I'm not even positive Sweetie has ever seen my feet before.

Well, she saw them yesterday. And, regarding one thing in particular, she was not amused.

She didn't like my funky toenail.

Yes, I have a funky toenail. My left big toe's nail is just - gross. As I recall, one of our cats when I was little bit me on my toe, making me lose the toenail entirely. And it grew back completely different. Completely funky. Definitely gross.

Heck! I don't even like looking at it! And poor Sweetie - she was definitely concerned. She was at once fascinated and repelled by the mere thought of my toe. As in, once she noticed it I then tried to keep it out of her line of sight for the rest of our day. But she kept asking me about it. Telling me that her toes weren't like that. Telling me that I was the only mom in the world with a yucky toe. Interested in stealing another glance at it, then looking me in the eye and making a "yuck" face at me. Actually, a sad sort of curious "yuck" face. So sad.

So there was that.... the shock of Sweetie's discovery of my unfortunate toe. And then there was the awe - er, I mean "awwww" - of Sweetie continually running back up to me on my beach towel, reporting all the fun she and Daddy were having in the water. And asking me if I could come down to play in the water too? Didn't I want to play with her?

Yes, Sweetie. I would love to play with you in the water. But my braces are off now and it would be pretty difficult for me to get down to the water without them on. I'm good here - you go play with Daddy. I'm watching! Looks like you're having fun!

Yeah.

Then later - she asked me again.

Hmmm... you really want me to play with you in the water, huh?

Yeah.

Yeah. That would be nice, wouldn't it? But I can't easily get down there, Sweetie. I'm sorry.

Sweetie quickly got over her sorrows once our friends showed up, though. A new little girl to romp with. What fun!

Next time - we'll put ourselves much closer to the shoreline. I'm determined to at least be able to dip my toes in the water as she splashes around nearby.

Including my funkily gross toe, of course. You want me? You get my toe too. That's the deal.