A Perfect Day

One of the many joys of living on Long Island is the access to the world’s most beautiful beaches. There is one beach in particular on the north shore that I frequent – Sunken Meadow State Park. It is situated at the very end of the Sagtikos Parkway and faces the Long Island Sound. On sunny days (and even cloudy ones) you can see clear across to Connecticut. The waves on this beachfront are more modest than the Atlantic Ocean facing beaches of the south shore. There is a quiet, ¾ mile boardwalk with only one concession stand open during the season – it’s never crowded, and that’s one of the reasons I love it so much.

Spaced sporadically along the boardwalk are backless stone benches facing the shoreline. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of mahogany park benches with cast iron frames dotting the walk. Each one has a dedication plaque on the bench’s back, and I imagine the benches have been purchased and donated by loved ones honoring someone they have lost.

Although I’ve read the dedications time and again, each time I go I find that I’m still drawn to these seats, to read them yet again. Each plaque mentions someone who loved the beach, loved the water and is remembered and dearly missed. My favorite of all of them is this one:

Julie H.
The beach, a Nathan’s hot dog,
a game of chess, a perfect day

I share this with you as we settle into the lazy days of summer. A time to relax, let things go, and take a well-needed break from the pressing speed of life these days. Of course I didn’t know Julie, but I admire her take on life, and her family and friends who remembered her in this way. It’s the little things that make life worthwhile.

The bench is a memorial to Julie and a gift to those of us who frequent the boardwalk and take respite here at our beloved beach as she did. Thank you Julie, for a place to stop, reflect and remind ourselves that life is oh, so short and oh, so sweet.

Happy Summer!  And don’t forget the fries to go with that hot dog.