25 Comments
User's avatar
Kaila Krayewski's avatar

You know when people ask, if you could only have one thing for the rest of your life to eat what would it be, there's just nothing that would keep you satisfied! That's how I feel about the beach after living on Koh Phangan, Thailand for 14 years. Completely agree with all your points.

My condolences on your father's passing. He sounds like a great man.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you. He definitely was!

Wow, fourteen years! Sounds amazing.

Expand full comment
Linda Cardillo's avatar

My all time favorite destination is the beach. I love the sand, surf and sun along with the smell of the ocean. My other favorite thing to do is read which I can do for hours at the beach. Going for walks and hunting for shells is another favorite pastime. I can do all these things alone or with others and can equally enjoy.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

I get it now! I really do. We've had a WONDERFUL time here in Puerto Vallarta these past few weeks.

Oh, I forgot seashells! And glass pebbles. hehe

Expand full comment
Polly's avatar

What a fun beach game, and I love the hiking hoax! Both such a sweet memories. What a wonderful dad he was. ❤️❤️

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

He was indeed! Thanks...

Expand full comment
A.M. Haus's avatar

Full circle.. I love the ramblings that come through and end up being a great story. Sometimes we need to just write and what is supposed to come out, will find its way to the page (or screen).

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you! hehe

Expand full comment
Melodie Durham's avatar

Love hearing about your beautiful memories.

Brought back my twenties...pool parties at party hotels listening to beach bands and east coast shagging, too much to drink, wet-shirt contests, clubbing at night.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you!

LOL sounds like you're twenties were fairly well spent!

Expand full comment
Cassandra Tresl's avatar

Thank you for sharing such a dear memory and giving us all a great beach game idea! I must say, this made me realize how much I took beach days for granted before I had a daughter—hah. It'll be a few more years before I, too, can be bored on a beach.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

hehe. Have you EVER seen a child not thrilled by the beach? It is always a pleasure and a delight ot see.

Expand full comment
Caroline's avatar

Seeing (and hearing) kids playing on the beach is one of the best parts of a beach day. My favourite beach watching is small toddlers who always have the impulse to just run into the sea before they get chased and grabbed by a stressed parent! 😄

Expand full comment
Lori  Pohlman's avatar

Oh, how I adore your father’s beach game! So charming and sweet, and as you say, an invented game to encourage creativity. I am picturing the running around and hearing the sounds of surf and laughter. Beautiful!

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Isn't it great? I think even as a kid, I knew it was something special, but my estimation has grown greatly since then.

Expand full comment
Mike Cipolla's avatar

Delightful, trenchant and the exact palate cleanser I needed during this tumultuous time. I, though, treasure my virtual connections and have real relationships with the people on the other end of the line. Sometimes we even get to meet in person and cement those connections. I’m a good communicator both in person and online but feel less anxiety when it’s analog and I have time to noodle over responses rather than spitting out the first thing that comes to mind.

I love the relationship you had with your father and am envious of the joy you reveal. My relationship with my parents was quite different.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Thank you! Much appreciated. Yes, I'm probably too hard on the online side of things.

I'm sorry to hear about your parents. (My relationship with my mother was MUCH more complicated.)

Expand full comment
Debra O’Connor's avatar

Thank you for sharing the beach game! Definitely will try it with my grandson! Also, staring at the waves washing in over and over and over again can be a form of meditation.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

Oh! So true! There's nothing quite like it, is there?

Expand full comment
TrailToes's avatar

I love this post. I kinda teared up, too. Thanks for your memories! Nostalgia for past relationships often deepens our appreciation for current connections, enhancing social bonds and fostering intimacy with those around us. And that is exactly what you did in writing this piece. Memories inspire hope and resilience and that is what we all need in this crazy world.

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

That is an interesting way to look at it -- how those past relationships inform the present. Very true!

Thank for the kind words.

Expand full comment
Kiri's avatar

Those sweet memories of your dad are so precious ❤️ He sounds like he was a wonderful father. We need more men like him in the world!

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

He was literally the best! And the best male role model ever, I think.

Expand full comment
DenizB33's avatar

Oh, what a fun beach game! I'll have to remember, to teach it to the kids!

Expand full comment
Brent Hartinger's avatar

I hope they enjoy it too!

Expand full comment