The pandemic has ended!! Finally, for the first time in two years all four grand angels were together soaking up sun and surf on the island. Not just our little family, but apparently most of Houston and the surrounding area came to celebrate and remember all those who died to provide us with the freedom to enjoy the beauty of America. My greatest memories as a child were at the beach, sunning, surfing, boogie boarding, fishing, and just soaking up the peace that is all around us. Those memories compelled me to return to the island at retirement. Now it is my turn to help create memories for my grands. The older two, seven and nine, were ready to boldly enter the very large surf, armed with boogie boards to successfully “catch a wave” or two. The younger two were more than satisfied to allow the gentle wave lapping the shore to bring in the silky wet sand and allow for the digging of clams for entertainment. When we were all sufficiently coated in sand and surf, it was off to the river to float in the refreshing clean water, and allow the splash pad to wash over us.

The Diamond Beach that I call home must be shared with friends and family, especially on such a memorable American holiday. The chefs, Matt and Tres, provided a very tex-mex experience for all willing to brave the memorial traffic onto the island. Slaving over an outdoor grill for hours, they produced fajitas of both the beef and chicken kind, complete with grilled onions and peppers. They could certainly quit the day job and open the bestest fajita place on the island as far as their friends were concerned. The swimup bar was open along the river’s edge for adult refreshments and they even provided Shirley Temples for the angels. All in all, I’m pretty sure great memories were made this Memorial. As the grand angels left for home, there wasn’t a dry eye in the bunch. Mamou promised them that they would be back soon for more summer fun than they could stand:)