The best sandwich I ever ate was pool side in the sun out of a bag. Made the night before by a mom who would tell me to dry my hands before eating my “sun chips.” Which were chips eaten in the sun, not the brand, though both are excellent.
Remnants of BBQ chip dust coat my freshly tanned fingers as I decide what game will be played next in the pool.
Mermaids, of course.
The public pool of Water Works is bustling with chatter and children and the occasional screaming toddler.
I imagine flying out of my tube down the waterslide as I stand in line next to my sister who stands just a hair shorter than me. Boastfully, we stand up against the height guide and cheerfully move forward in line upon receiving the coveted nod by the lifeguard, confirming our suspicions that we are indeed tall enough to fly.
The hot pavement escaped by walking briskly with soaking wet feet to the next activity - the lazy river.
The lazy river is perfect because you can float, you can swim a little, and you can ride a few waves if you get enough people to participate in your shenanigans. The lifeguard whistles and roars “no waves!”
It was -7 outside the other day and oh, how I’d love to be 8 1/2 and swimming in the hot Ohio sun. Wrapped up in a towel covered eating sun chips while we dry off. It was a different kind of heaviness tonight. One felt by missing her Mom, Grandma, and Sister, all of whom reside in different corners of the country.
“What do you want for dinner?” My husband asks.
I want the sandwich I ate in the sun with soggy hands surrounded by company I miss.
Instead, I simply respond, “sun chips.”