When I was young at the beach, I remember looking at Lake Erie stretched wide, blue, endless in front of me. I remember riding a ski-doo with my twin sister and my dad. My dad held us tight and steady and strong making sure we didn't fall as we bounced over the waves, splashed through the water, and laughed with every turn. I remember looking back at the shore and seeing my mom, sister, and baby brother, who had stayed behind digging, building, playing in the sand.

When I was young at the beach, I heard waves crashing, people talking, and my baby brother's cries, giggles, and whimpers floating through the air. I smelled fresh, clean lake air, salty sunscreen, and warm pizza waiting for us after the sun began to set. The sand felt hot and calming and soft beneath my feet. I remember laying on my floatie flat on my back, letting my toes dip into the water, cold, refreshing.

When I was young at the beach, I felt excited, fearless, alive as the ski-doo jumped over the waves. At the same time, I felt calm and peaceful and safe with the water surrounding me. The lake filled me with happiness, comfort, and freedom.
At the Beach, I always looked forward to slowing down, laughing together, and talking with my family. I remember eating pizza, watching the sun set into the water, and listening as the day eventually turned quiet and peaceful and golden. I miss those moments of comfort, laughter, joy, and I will carry all the memories I made at Port Stanley Beach with me forever.