I had two over the top experiences today. The first was when I viewed a large pod of Bottlenose Dolphins that had stopped by to take in the sumptuous feast off the coast of Seabright Beach. The second was as we bade them good-bye and began to walk back to our car, an event that still has me shaking as I type this post nearly six hours later.
My daughter and I began our day at one of our favorite breakfast spots that overlooks the Santa Cruz Harbor. The restaurant, Aldo’s, has a special deal on weekdays for folks who come in before 11 a.m. It’s a big breakfast of two eggs, any style, two pieces of bacon or sausage, and two pieces of French toast or pancakes for $5.95. It’s a large breakfast, but it is a good one. Their view is second to none.
The restaurant is dog friendly, so we’ve dined there with Hardy and Chico many times, alongside several other dogs, seagulls, and tourists out on the deck. The routine has always been to walk the dogs after eating. The Walton Lighthouse at the end of the harbor was usually our final destination. This day was no different. Except that Hardy was not with us, and even that is a little easier after a month and a half. I still miss him terribly, but I was feeling strong at this particular moment.
We were in for a treat once we got to the lighthouse! There was a large dolphin pod fishing for their own breakfast. Seeing so many dolphins for such a long time is rare where we were situated. In fact, I’ve only spotted dolphins at the Walton Lighthouse a couple of times, and even then, only briefly. This time there were about twenty of them working together to heard and catch the fish, no less. I could see the perimeter of dolphins, as they seemed to take turns catching fish. We saw them jumping out of the water over and over again as they chased after the jumping fish. At one point they were only about ten yards away from us, and they stayed there putting on a show for over thirty minutes.
As we turned around to head back, I saw a dog that looked very much like the attack dog heading towards us with its owner in tow. I had nothing short of a panic attack. At first I thought it important to protect Chico, but he was not close enough. I turned my back to the dog, facing the ocean, and I tried to calm myself, but it was no use. The present moment was my enemy! My daughter sensed my fear, and she put one arm around me. This helped, but I began breathing rapidly and tears started streaming down my face as I tried in vain to hide. It seemed like an eternity waiting for that dog to be a safe distance away, so I could continue walking. Finally we moved to a spot where I felt safer. I took several deep breaths before I felt like I was calming down, but it still felt like my blood pressure was spiking, and I was shaking uncontrollably. It was an experience that I will undoubtedly share with my doctor and my therapist tomorrow.
4 comments:
I'm so thankful that I could be there for you :)
Me too! I'm also glad you were able to comment.
I know Noni was trying and I couldn't figure out why I couldn't see hers!
My error! I had turned off all permissions to do so, but now it's fixed.
How exciting for you and Ashley to see all those wonderful dolphins in action for soooo long. My goodness, that is a rare occurrence. Each time you go to that spot near the ocean now you’ll be checking out those waters for another performance. Just picturing you enjoying seeing those beautiful creatures splashing about in those waters getting their fish food, gives my spirit a lift. Please hold on to that image as often as you can Katherine...that came as a blessing. I love when that happens in life. We have to hold on to those precious vivid memories and replay those images as often as possible.
Yesterday I wrote so much after I read your comments about taking One Day at a Time. My comments didn’t get in but its O.K. Today is a new day and I’m grateful for another opportunity. In my notes of yesterday I mentioned how oftentimes, over the years, (especially in my most stressful times) I ventured up the hill to San Damiano in Danville. Whether I spent a few hours alone there or attended a daytime retreat or one of the overnight retreats, it always gave my spirit a lift and helped me through many trying situations. Often I just sat in the garden area or walked the grounds. Its so beautiful .....flowers everywhere....even the deer made you feel welcome. I also did week retreats and got to know many of the staff there. Perhaps just visiting there and walking the grounds might be worth your consideration. Their cozy gift shop is even worth the trip. Have you ever been in it? Many people just go there to browse and perhaps buy a trinket for a loved one. My Xmas Angels were purchased there, and whenever I get them out around the holidays I reflect back on the times I spent there. I used to call it “my Heaven on Earth.” If you ever do decide to venture the hill, beware that the gates may be closed...as oftentimes a Retreat is in session. (That never stopped me tho....and I had no trouble maneuvering the car.) As long as you don’t disturb the sessions, its never been a problem...
Thanks so much for your well wishes for our 52nd. We had a great time, as usual. And,..it was especially fun coming home to the singing voices on my cell. You guys sounded great. Whaddaya know.....another blessing :-)
Will look forward to reading more here in your journal. Meanwhile, here comes more prayers for ya...AND...Lotsa Love,
MomXO
Oh Kath... the dolphins sound lovely! I have spent many an hour on and around the ocean, but have never been blessed with such a lovely experience. Treasure it ....
I am so glad your sweet daughter was there with you.... another blessing I am thinking.
Try not to be too hard on yourself.... time will be your friend Kath....
Love and prayers
Aunt Dorothy
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