rough draft for work shop

Christina Dente

Essay One

Rough Draft

“It’s not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.”

It was a beautiful day; I was with my family on the Margate beach. There was a light breeze, making the sun warm, but not too hot. My whole family, my dad, my stepmom, my brother, even myself, were happy to have a day off to sit on the beach. We were grateful for such a beautiful day. We kept saying how this was the best day of the summer and it was a great feeling being there with them.

            As the sun shined, the waves crashed, the sound of my brother giggling on his boogie board in the ocean, it was a peaceful day. This summer in particular was a hectic one, so to get my family all together with no time restraints, there was a happy vibe springing through all of us. Family time in particular has been rough for me growing up as well. I come from a not so normal family, a broken home if that makes it clearer. I grew up going back and forth to houses, between stepparents and money issues, nothing ever came easily. Things in my life remind of a rollercoaster, I’m always stuck on it and the events seemed to go up and down. Moments in my life where I’ve been completely happy and completely at peace are rare.

            This day, I remember it like yesterday, it was just a day that engulfed me with happiness. All those issues I’ve ever dealt with were gone; I was content. No rushing, no worrying, just the three most important people and myself enjoying the time spent with each other. Money has been tight, so to sit on the beach and spend a few dollars on ice cream was more than perfect for us. We didn’t need to spend money to enjoy each other’s company.

            The water was warmer than it has been all summer, so my step mom and I stood knee deep as we watched my dad take my brother out farther and farther. He giggled, we talked, and the sun shifted warming the right sides of our body. As the day went on, people started to leave. We were in no rush, so we stayed and enjoyed the emptiness that was upon us, digging in the sand and eating the snacks we packed. The sun shifted more, so did our chairs, but the happiness remained. The sun was beginning to set, and we all agreed to stay. The beach was cooler, with a small wind that brought peace to your mind. It was quiet empty and the most apparent noise was the waves crashing the seagulls passing. At this moment I realized no amount of money, no amount of fancy things, could ever bring me as much happiness than this exact moment, sitting with my family, watching the sunset, putting all of our worries behind us.

            This happiness felt like home. Figuratively speaking home is term connected to happiness. Despite the troubles in life, a simple day on the beach took it all away. If I could go back to that day for the rest of my life I would. Happiness is truly how much we enjoy so while a day on the beach may not mean much to some people, it meant the world to me.