Expect Miracles

Sometimes its all about expectations.

No, honestly, it's always about expectations.  And when we enter something new with a smile, a deep breath and the chance to find something new - amazing things can happen.

I learned that lesson many years ago on a solo trip to the North Shore of Boston. On a Friday morning in early May 2001 I set out on a solo journey to stay by the ocean.  My intention was to overnight at the bed and breakfast that Maureen and I had stayed at several times before on Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, MA.  When I arrived early that Friday afternoon I learned they were booked for a wedding party all weekend.

And I do what I've learned to do many times before, and repeated many times since.  Deploy Plan B.  When the Innkeeper said, "I think that Sadie at the end of the street has availability,"  I took that as a sign and off I went.  I found a small room with a private bath and an adorable little balcony overlooking Good Harbor Beach.  It was clean and neat - just enough space for one's weekend alone.

I unpacked and went to the beach for a walk.  A long walk.   It was spring and the sun set early and the ocean breeze was cold and damp.  I'd been trying to put some distance between an on-again, off-again relationship rather unsuccessfully.  So the walk was accompanied by tears, fears, regrets and sadness. At the very end of the beach I looked back and found the Inn very small in the distance.  After a deep breath, wiping the tears and silent pep-talk, I decided what I really needed was a good bowl of chowder, a baseball game on the television and a crossword puzzle to work on while I ate.

As I drove into the village, unsure of where to land I found a place to park right outside the Topside Grill & Pub overlooking the water in Gloucester.  I went inside ordered chowder, bread and a club soda and settled in with my crossword puzzle.  The baseball game started shortly and before long we were cheering together and several people wanted to help with the puzzle.

I realize this doesn't sound like a miracle.  But honestly perspective is everything.  Well, that and expectations.  I didn't have expectations, but a group of strangers, a ballgame on t.v. and a hot bowl of soup can cure quite a bit.  Especially on this chilly night by the ocean about 15 years ago.

A lot has changed since then.  And yet, I'm still that girl inside.  The one that knows that miracles are around the corner if you're willing to just believe.

And i still do ....