There’s something about the beach that calms the mind.
Living by the ocean has been linked to lower stress and improved mental health. The waves’ rhythms soothe the body, and the open horizon offers a sense of peace you can’t find elsewhere.
The beach holds a special place in Joe’s heart.
Years before moving Gabriel Homes, Joe went on beach vacations along the Atlantic Coast with his family. Long days in the sun are some of Joe’s fondest early memories. Today, his mom and stepdad, Patti and Ken, live by the South Carolina coast; his dad and stepmom, Rick and Pat, lives a half mile from the Delaware shores.
“Our grandparents lived in Cape Cod, so we made lots of beach trips north to see them,” says Stephanie, Joe’s sister. “When we traveled south, we went to beaches in Maryland and North Carolina.”
Joe takes in the weather and scenery when he steps foot on the beach. Sometimes, he’s in the water before the first beach chair hits the sand. The cold morning water doesn’t matter to Joe: He heads to where the water reaches his waist, then looks out at the horizon.
Down South: South Carolina
When Joe and Stephanie see their mom in South Carolina, Joe gets a T-shirt from the local shop en route to the shore. Joe often drags Patti and Ken into the water, even when it’s frigid. When the parents are back in their beach chairs, Joe relaxes alone in the water. He likes waving to his parents and humming tunes to himself.
“Joe and Stephanie’s visits are their peaceful retreats from the routine. Ken and I get water, sun, and waves all year long in South Carolina. There’s nothing like the beach.”
When the family’s home in the evening, they use the Olympic-sized pool in their neighborhood. The neighbors play music from the 1950s to the 80s by the pool deck. Joe has a knack for knowing the year of release and artist of every song from that era. Patti’s neighbor likes challenging Joe’s knowledge with obscure songs, but Joe has a near-perfect guessing rate.
“The neighborhood does summertime concerts by the pool, so evenings are a win-win for Joe. He’s in the water dancing with friends to the rock ‘n’ roll he grew up with.”
Up North: Delaware
When school is back in session, Joe and Stephanie make their way to Delaware. The water is warm from the summer heat, and the half-mile boardwalk has smaller crowds. Local spots stay open during the offseason, which means the family can enjoy restaurants without long waits. Joe’s favorite tradition is having fried shrimp for dinner, and he always says yes to his meal of choice, burgers.
Everyone’s up and moving again once the plates are cleared. On rainy days, the family goes to the movies or bowling alley. Mini golf is Joe’s top outdoor activity when the weather is clear. Joe has a keen eye for the ball and putts at least one hole-in-one on the course.
“The last time Joe was here, he hit several holes-in-one in a row. Once he learns a sport, he gives it his all.”
The years go by...
... but the parents say Joe feels the same happiness on the beach as he felt on his first trip.
“The beach is our favorite pastime,” Stephanie says. “Joe and I spent every summer by the ocean growing up. Coming back to the beach and seeing family feels like we’ve come full circle.”