Read an Excerpt
(From the Introduction): The name “Island Child” describes those who have a special connection to Long Beach Island, N.J. They are people of all ages who live on or visit this island. Their spirit is defined by their sense of adventure and wonder. They are as intrinsic to the beaches as the sand they stand upon. Their wishes are made on the moon over the ocean. Their smiles come from the sunsets. Their peace comes from watching the sunrise. The bay invites introspection and the ocean gives them strength. They are passionate about going for a walk on the beach. They know the perfect gift to give is a seashell.
The Island in this book is not exotic Bora Bora or glamorous St. Thomas, but Long Beach Island — a little piece of paradise for those of us lucky enough to have discovered her shores. Filled with natural beauty and character, this 18-mile-long island nestles up against the New Jersey coast, home to other beaches and islands that also inspire and nurture their “children”.
On the north end of Long Beach Island sits a majestic lighthouse. When my son was three, I asked him what he thought the lighthouse was for; he replied “To light up the water so the fisherman could see the fish to catch them!” I described what its true purpose was and correlated it to a life lesson (“There are lighthouses in your life that surround you — God, your parents, grandparents, teachers, family, and good friends. They are your beacons of light that help you find your way when you cannot see clearly”).
The special gifts of the Island — sea glass, the ocean, sandcastles — and that conversation with my son, inspired me to write life lessons for my children about embracing individuality, developing strength, encouraging curiosity, cherishing family and friends. The Island Child concept took on a life of its own as more and more people were interested in sharing their own Island Child story — and so a book was born.
The elements of the Island draw people of all ages. As they reach the pinnacle of the causeway bridge, they let out a sigh of contentment as they gaze down on the Island stretched out before them. The summers are alive with the smell of fudge and suntan lotion, the laughter of children and the sight of the red and green traffic lights on the boulevard attempting to slow the fast-paced rhythm of the Island. The Island is bustling with energy as crowds of people vie for a spot on the beach or take to the bay in a boat. The winters bring cold, desolate nights as the traffic lights slowly pulsate their lonely yellow light, and the Island takes on a more natural state as the pace slows.
This island has inspired me my entire life. Both of my grandmothers loved the sea — the Island grounded and inspired them, and their families that followed. My gift is a heart that pulses to the rhythm of the sea. All they loved about the Island, I see. Even though they have passed on, I can still share the beauty that they saw: It is their gift to me, this island heritage — a cherished gift of love that I now share with my Island Children.
Come with us on a journey as the “Island Child” stories are woven in with life lessons learned from this inspiring island.
