Everyone that knows me knows that Florida is my home away from home, specifically Cocoa Beach. When I was a year old, my parents took a vacation there and sat through a time share presentation to get tickets to an amusement park. They ended up buying a unit and had no idea at the time, how greatly it would impact our family for generations to come.
Every summer we would pile up in the car and drive from Indiana to Florida for our family vacation. I even remember my older brother bringing one of his friends with us once. When I turned 8 we moved to Arizona but that didn’t stop us from going to our vacation spot every summer. Most people that live in Arizona go to California for their trips but not us. We could easily have transferred to a different place closer after we moved but it never felt right.
Over the course of my life I have moved close to 10 times. Sometimes it was from one city to another and other times it was out of state and back again. One thing that has always been a constant in my life no matter where I am living is my parent’s time share. The unit would always welcome us with open arms. We loved to look around and see all the changes that had been made during the remodels. Up until a few years ago, they would launch a shuttle at the Kennedy Space Center some time during the course of our week. It was always the coolest thing because we could sit on our balcony and watch it. We developed routines and traditions while we are there over the years. At least one morning we have to walk across the street and have breakfast at Denny’s. We always go to the Ron Jon Surf Shop and buy at least one t-shirt a piece. One night we go to the pier for dinner and people watching. On Tuesday nights we head down to the pool for live entertainment and swimming. And since my late teens I have added a tradition just for me. I wake up early before the sun comes up and will walk up and down the shore as the sun rises. This is my time alone to thank the Lord for everything He has given me. Sometimes as I’m walking the beach, I find some of the most amazing sea shells.
I remember my parents talking about selling the time share once because we kids were getting older and they thought it wouldn’t get used as much. Let’s just say, the idea was vetoed. Boy I sure am glad they never sold it. 3 years ago my mom passed away suddenly and left a large hole in all of our hearts. I feared going back to Florida because I knew how many memories it held there but fear didn’t stop us from going. Once I arrived and let the memories flood my mind, I knew there wasn’t any reason to be scared. I actually felt closer to her and more peace knowing how much she loved it there.
Now I am 30 years old, married with 2 children of my own and we all count down the months until we are in Florida again. In fact, my husband and I now own our own unit at Ocean Landings. My children have grown attached to it as well. I can’t even begin to explain how wonderful it is to bring them to my happiest place on Earth and to see them making their own happy memories. If it weren’t for my parents trying to get tickets to Disney World, I would never have a home away from home. Our time share holds a piece of my heart and I will forever be grateful for all of the wonderful times I have had there.
Thank you for allowing me to share a special part of my life with you!