Almost every morning during our one short week vacation at Pawleys Island, South Carolina, I get up before dawn and walk down to the beach. Sometimes I sit on the pilings. Sometimes I stroll and look for seashells, shark teeth and whatever else has washed ashore. Sometimes I just stare at the heavens while colors change and the ocean rolls in.
But this morning, I caught a glimpse of a mother and her daughter, both seemingly happy to be a part of the great outdoors. They, too walked barefoot in the sand, pointing up at clouds, waiting to see the sun. A mother-daughter pair welcoming the day together.
A few minutes later as I sat down to look at the photos I had taken, it occurred to me that the mother might like a copy of this photo to remind her of this moment at Pawleys waiting for sunrise.
But when I looked up from my camera, they were gone. Perhaps beyond the dunes and back in their house. I don’t know. But I’ve never forgotten that missed opportunity to share something special with a person I didn’t even know and may never encounter again.

I felt sad, but I kept walking down the beach looking for whatever might turn up. And there it was: a pair of turtle tracks, the coming and going of a mother turtle laying eggs in the night and then returning to the ocean. And it occurred to me that in some small way, the two pairs could almost be related.
Mothers and children. Before dawn. On the beautiful beach at Pawleys Island.
Rusha Sams
This post is one of a series of one-word prompts for April 2020 called Discover Prompts by WordPress. Enjoy!
Miriam Hurdle
A beautiful story, Rusha! The image of the mother-daughter will always warm your heart!
Oh, the Places We See
You are so right, Miriam. And when I saw the word of the day, I immediately thought of this image. It is one that I hold dear.
Miriam Hurdle
I looked it, Rusha! WordPress used to have Daily Prompt. They stopped all the challenges year and a half ago.
Oh, the Places We See
I used to participate at times. But now I’m enjoying Discover Prompts.
Miriam Hurdle
Thank you, Rusha for bringing Discover Prompts to my attention. I recognized the PW people. I may take part in it soon.
Oh, the Places We See
You have much to share, so I look forward to your future posts.
Miriam Hurdle
I’ll try, Rusha. I’m not writing posts as often because I try to work on my future books. But many of my poems were the responses of the daily prompts!!!
Oh, the Places We See
Wishing you all the best with your writing. It not only takes creativity; it also requires a certain amount of perseverance. There are always distractions!!
Miriam Hurdle
Exactly, Rusha. Not every day is a good day to be creative even without the distractions!
Happy Panda
Loved reading your post!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. The internet does bring us new friends, right? Appreciate your support!
The Wandering RVer
Many times I’ve been fortunate enough to get wonderful images of strangers, I usually try to share them but it doesn’t always happen. I love the way the little girls is looking to her mother, a very special image.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the compliment. It was a special moment, and this was one of about 10 shots of her. I, too, loved their bond. Thx for commenting!!
Lynh
It looks like there is a castle on the sky near the horizon in the first picture.
Oh, the Places We See
I never had noticed this! You’re observant, for sure. Thanks for taking a close look and sharing with me. Stay safe out there.
Lynh
Thanks Rusha Sams
Chloe
Beautiful images AND imagery!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the compliment, but really it’s God who gets the credit. Being on the beach, even for one short week, helps me get closer to nature and the beautiful scenery. Thanks for taking time to comment.
Michael Andrew Just
It pays to wake early. Great shot!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. It’s interesting to watch the people on the beach in early hours. Mostly we all stand and wait for sunrise, but others look for shells, dip their toes in, or sip coffee on their back porches. I love going there. Thanks so much for the comment.
thegenxtravels
Very nice! The beach looks peaceful and perfect!
Oh, the Places We See
It is most of the time. The town of Pawleys has funded a beach refresh ( I don’t know the exact word). So this summer should be interesting. I’ve heard you can’t see the ground anymore -that’s pretty deep!!
thegenxtravels
Wow! That sounds interesting!!
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for the comment and for taking a look. The beach itself is interesting, but the visitors are definitely worth checking out!!
Curt Mekemson
I love this story, Rusha. And I sat here looking at the turtle tracks and wondering what the heck? Thanks. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
Those loggerheads come all the way up to the dunes from the sea, Kay the eggs, and then go back to the sea. Babies never meet their mothers. There’s a team that walks the beach each morning checking for nests in harm’s way. If they find one, they move it. It’s awesome to watch!
kzmcb
Fabulous post, full of serenity.
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much. I’d love to wake up more mornings there!!!