Being the Beacon and Cherry Cheesecake Dip

We’ve always had a sign.

When you are a mom with child(ren) at the beach, even with a group of friends, you are ever watching, monitoring, counting heads.

I have two children. One who loves the waves, the other who does not. Both adventurous. Both fun seeking, but one in the water and one in the sand. It is inevitable at some point you have to decide which one leaves your side to have their version of fun. Even though you have back up people to go with them, or stay with them…it is hard to let go.

When my son would boogie board or ride the waves, and we would watch as the tide would  pull him this way or that, we had a sign. I would raise my arm, he would see it, and he would raise his arm in the same fashion. Without words, this was the conversation:

“I’m here! You OK? Don’t let the tide drag you much farther!”

“I’m OK mom! I see you!”

And I would watch and do it all over again.

The older he got, the less frequently I would raise my arm, but the eyes are always watching. That’s what moms do.

This year I watched that boy walk across the stage and get his diploma, which is a pretty big deal. Not every kid loves school, just like not every kid likes to stay on the beach. Some kids take the honors courses and write the papers last-minute. Some kids plan out their papers for weeks in advance. As an educator, and a mom, I see all different kinds of learners. I have changed as a learner myself.

This year my son wrapped up High School and I could not be more proud. (and relieved…it wasn’t without several “Come to Jesus” meetings in the last decade).

If life has taught me anything, it is that, like the ocean, things are always changing. You can count on the tide, but the grains of sand it kicks up get shifted and move over and settle in new places. Constantly.

I have a pick-up-the-smoothest-stone-and-stick-it-in-your-pocket issue. As in, the stones that you can hold in your hand and are so soft they feel like velvet, come home with me. (Not all, just a couple). They remind me that life can smooth out any edges in time. They also remind me that no matter what you start out as…you end up differently if you choose to stay in the water and let the waves do their work.

My son has so many life stories to encounter, and so many plans to make and evolve. He already has transformed so much from that new baby who wouldn’t sleep. That sweet boy who loved to dig up worms, the teenager who liked video games as much as possible. Even with what he’s handled so far I know there is more to come. Things I can’t protect him from, prevent, or fix.

He’s a young man. Hopefully the momma wisdom I have tried to pour into his life has roots and will guide him along the way.

Graduation was a blur and filled with family and friends and life, loud and ready.

So imagine my pure bittersweet joy, when in a sea of people on the steps of the graduation ceremony, trying to let my boy know where we were waiting…I automatically raised my arm.

He saw me, smiled, and did the same.

Oh precious child of my heart. I am here. I am here.

We are imperfect and tired and sometimes lost in the sea of this life we call motherhood. Days where it is spot on and days when we wonder if we are enough.

If nothing else, I hope my children know beyond all things…that they are loved just as they are and I am the beacon to call them home. I will raise my arm, and they can find me from wherever they go.

Every. Day. A. Gift.

Now to the recipe: If you want an easy so yummy summer dessert, this is your recipe. It’s cheesecake like, no bake, covered in canned pie filling and served up with Nilla Wafers. The recipe I used is from www.cincyshopper.com

Blend together cream cheese, marshmallow creme (in New England it is FLUFF), Cool Whip, and spread in a pie plate. Top with cherry pie filling. Put back in the refrigerator until you need it. EASY? YES. DELICIOUS? YES. Can I hear summer potluck? YES.

Much love to you my readers. We are on the sand or in the waves of this life together.

I hope you enjoy this recipe, and as always, thank you for coming to the table!

Chrissy

Click below for a printable recipe!

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