H20

It's been a little more than two weeks that we've been without water. A cold snap blew through and a block of ice cracked our well pump. Trying to locate the part was difficult. The manufacturer won't send to me, only to a distributor. I finally found a distributor, placed my order for what I thought I needed judging by the diagram pictured online. A week later my order arrived and it was the wrong part.

I ordered the right part from the distributor and expected it to arrive at my home in another week. Meanwhile, gallon water jugs accumulated across my dining room floor, some dirty dishes stacked up, and the laundry pile became a mini mountain of cotton and denim.

I called the distributor for a tracking number on a Monday because I thought the part should have been here the previous Friday. He assured me it would be here the very next day.

Next day (Tuesday), I sat at my computer half-focused on it, but mostly on the window hoping to see that familiar brown truck cruise down the driveway. By noon I called the distributor back. He never ordered it!

Today is Friday and my part is here! I greeted the UPS man with the excitement of a child who's been waiting for Santa Clause, and opened the package with just as much intensity. I smile as I think about how wonderful it will feel to stand in the shower and let that hot water stream across my face. (Although I have nearly gotten accustomed to cold sponge baths.)

I will delight in scrubbing my pots and pans and stacking them in the cabinet as they gleam in the kitchen light this evening. And to think, washing dishes is my most hated chore!

May I always not only notice the smallest things in life but pause to indulge in those moments as they happen every day. A steaming shower, a spigot that flows fresh drinking water with simply the turn of a knob. I know being without water for a couple of weeks is nothing more than a nuisance, and my aggravation with it is silly, but sometimes life's annoyances can remind us to bathe in its indulgences.

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A little more on the subject... I come from a family of beachcombers, with waterlogged ears and salt water in our veins. We take to the water for serenity, recreation, and memory-making. I want to share a few of my favorite memories on the water...

 Bahamas February 2010

Mermaid Cousins, 1988ish

Still Mermaids, 1997ish

Dad taking in Alaska's beauty 2011

My Duckys' first swim!

I brought them in the house for a swim one night. They loved it!

Dad was always happy when fishing. This was the last photo taken of him before he died in October 2012.

Having some fun in Hurricane Irene behind our small beach house. Newly married and loving life!

A day on High Rock Lake at Mom and Dad's house. Some of my college friends came to visit for a day. 

One of my most cherished photos. Mom and me at Topsail Beach in 2003. We enjoyed God's beauty through the waves, blue sky, and sand. 

My husband and me night fishin' on the Mount Pleasant Pier 2011

Pittmans gathered at Dad's house 11/11/11

My cousin Rubyen enjoying some improvised "beach" time in the country! Pittman Family at Topsaid Beach 2003

 Introducing my sister-in-law to the ocean. She is a mountain woman and had never felt the delight of the ocean tickling her toes. She's a special part of my life!

And........

          Perhaps most special of all, my wedding to my best, best bud. We got married in Mom and Dad's backyard. What a venue!!