Castles in the Sand

Do it today
Tomorrow may be too late.

‘I love you, I care about you’
Are not words to hold on to,
Share them now.

This moment is all we have
It is gone before you realize it.
Washed away by the waves of time.

Welcome each day as a gift to unwrap
Hold the precious moments close.

Mark them on your heart
And weave them into your tapestry of life.
Celebrate them, share them, honor them.

We are like sand castles built upon the shore,
The legacy we leave is guided by the lives we lead,
The gifts we share and the memories we create
With those we love.

The rest is washed away
Overtaken by the next big wave.

by Cheryl McDonald, 2023©

This colored pencil and graphite painting called Castles in the Sand was created during a time when my father was going through treatment for cancer, which eventually took him from us. He was a man of integrity and full of love for his family, and his community. He brought a smile to everyone who ever met him. 

It was a difficult period of time for all of us and even though I had my father till I was grown with children of my own, his life was too short and it made me consider the ideas of life being fleeting and impermanent. 

I was reminded of a time when I was down at the beach during a sand castle competition. I marveled at the incredibly huge and intricate designs created out of sand and water. Hours of time spent for moments of existence. Created for the shear pleasure of creating, not something built to last, but built for joy and memories. 

As I worked on this drawing, I thought about family, about time spent with my Father growing up, lessons I learned from him and joys we all shared as a family. I thought about how proud of me he was and I felt the same about him. He gave all he had in life and though his legacy is not marked in history books, or a statue in town square, he was a pillar of strength for family and friends and he left us with so many wonderful memories and gifts that are shared by us all.

His was a legacy of love, and for that I am grateful.

Have a Happy Day,

Cheryl