For a long time, I was afraid to go back to the beach. I was afraid of guilt. I was afraid I had let my beautiful ocean friend down. I remember the anxiety I felt on my first trip back to the coast after that terrible family vacation. I was so scared, my stomach hurt. I got to Lincoln City, I could see it in the distance. I rolled down the window and breathed in the smell of sea air. It brought so many emotions. I kept driving until I could park and see it in all its perfect glory. I walked out onto the beach and felt the familiar sand between my toes. She surrounded me with her majestic beauty. She still loved me, and I her. She was still as impressive and wonderful as the first time I saw her when I was five.