Foxie Goes to the Beach

Every year, Foxie climbs into her father’s three-row-seat vehicle along with her parents and siblings and they go somewhere new. Usually, they take this vacation around the beginning of the new year as a way of celebration. Each year the destination was different, but this year it was a revisit of one that Foxie had actually already been on when she was much younger … The Beach! 

As Foxie’s dad drove south and west towards the sandy shores of Ginger Beach, Foxie spent most of her time in the car reading. Foxie loved to read books, but she never wanted to read one twice. So, because of this, long car rides for the young fox meant an entire backpack of brand new books.

On the way to the beach, Foxie began to remember her previous visit to Ginger Beach. Sand and seaweed in all the wrong places, knocked down by the big, heavy waves, and the salt water taste even when she had her mouth closed were starting to remind her of why she may not want to go to the beach. 

After a bit of thinking over the memories, Foxie confided in her parents and said, “I’m scared of the beach!”

“Why are you scared, Foxie? It’s tons of fun to play in the sand and water!” Foxie’s mom twisted around from the passenger seat to see Foxie with her head down and feet kicking.

Foxie told her mom about the seaweed and everything else that she remembered being terrible about the beach. Her mom listened as she explained why she was afraid. Then, once Foxie stopped talking, her mom gently patted Foxie’s knee and said, “I guess it might be a little scary when you were much smaller, but you’re much taller and stronger now.”

Foxie was feeling quite upset because she really did not believe her mom when she told her about the fun parts, she could only remember the waves knocking her on her behind and how embarrassing that would be if it happened now. Foxie’s mom tried to reassure Foxie that she would have fun, but Foxie wasn’t excited. 

When the family pulled up at the beach, Foxie’s brother hopped out of the car excitedly and Foxie’s parents got her baby sister and the sand toys and they walked down towards the shoreline. After setting up a landing spot of towels and chairs, Foxie’s mom encouraged Foxie to follow her father and brother into the water. Still feeling quite nervous, Foxie said she just wanted to sit in the chairs with her mom and the baby.

As scared as Foxie was, she still kind of wanted to go in the water. She kept thinking and looking but couldn’t make up her mind. Every little bit or so Foxie’s mom would mention the water to Foxie and she would just shrug her shoulders. 

“I am scared, mom.”

“I know, sweetie, but I’m right here. Your dad will hold your hand if you’d like him to,” Foxie’s mom offered as her dad came over dripping wet from the ocean water.

“Come on, Foxie, it’s tons of fun! Here, take my hand,” Foxie’s dad held his hand out. Reluctantly, Foxie took her dad’s hand and they began walking slowly towards the water. First, they stood with their feet in the wet sand and felt it squish between their toes. Then, they took a few more steps to feel the water at their ankles. 

Just like that, Foxie’s dad helped lead her into the water and eventually they stopped holding hands. She realized that it was fun and that there wasn’t really anything to be afraid of. She splashed around with her older brother and her dad as her mom watched after the baby in the sand. 

Eventually, after working up an appetite from all that playing, Foxie ran up to the cooler near her mom and baby sister and grabbed out an ice cold bottle of water and a sandwich. She was having a great time, and had forgotten all about being afraid. 

“Sometimes, we all just need a little push in the right direction,” Foxie’s mom said with a smile.

“Thanks, mom; thanks, dad. I’m having a great time now!” Said foxie.