Indisputable tie

 Photo credit: Paul Bates Photography

Gabe’s been lucky to travel to many places in his short time on the planet, but he fell for Ponce Inlet when he made his college visit to Florida. He was pretty sure Embry-Riddle was going to be his ultimate choice, but I think his visit to the peaceful Ponce Inlet, just a few miles south of the hustle and bustle of Daytona Beach, made it feel like home.

He is, in some ways, an old soul.

My mom and dad met in Florida - just a few miles from where Gabe will go to school. It’s where they began their life together. My maternal grandparents retired a bit farther down the coast. We enjoyed many treasured family vacations with them and spent a lot of time boating and clamming around Ponce Inlet. My grandparents traveled extensively, but it was Ponce Inlet where they asked their respective ashes to be spread. Like Gabe, they felt an indescribable tug and indisputable tie to that very same place.

It’s sweet that Gabe will continue his journey where generations of his family found peace and adventure. As his senior year wraps up and he writes the end of this chapter, I can’t wait to see what’s in store. It will be tough having him far from home but knowing our family's connection to that special place will bring my heart peace as well.