The Bonding Power of Footprints in the Sand: A Hawaiian Family Vacation Tale

Like any seasoned mother, I've accumulated a variety of titles over the years - chef, chauffeur, therapist, nurse, life coach, ATM - the list is as extensive as a Costco receipt. But the label I cherish most, the one that warms my heart like a well-worn quilt, is 'Mom'. Mother's Day this year brought an unexpected surprise: a vacation to Hawaii with my adult son, Bill and daughter, Amy, a thoughtful gesture from them, for which my Birkenstock laden feet are still grateful, albeit a bit weary. We literally walked miles each day on our adventures to sandy beaches, waterfalls, temples and of course, a bit of Honolulu eating and shopping.

These family vacations, sprinkled throughout the annals of our lives like rare gems, hold a unique power to mend bridges, strengthen bonds and generate memories. And honestly, it’s been awhile, thanks to events of the last few years.

Thanks to the lens of introspection, we can appreciate this power even more. Our shared experiences - whether it's chasing sunrises on various beaches or teasing each other about who's going to dare try the food at the empty Italian restaurant chosen because there weren’t any waiting lines (who goes to Italian Food in Hawaii?) - forge deep connections in our brains. The laughter over unusual beach discoveries, the shared challenges, the surprise “knock-you-over” crashing waves , all serve to stimulate oxytocin, the 'bonding hormone'. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like seeing your grown-up children genuinely laughing at their harmless “mom jokes” and reminiscing childhood antics.

Strikingly, our vacation revealed a different dimension of our relationships, one that transcends the banalities of everyday life. The psychology behind families vacationing together is fascinating. It's like swapping your regular glasses for 3D ones – suddenly, you see depths and nuances you've missed out on. And when you're there, marooned on an island with an irresistible blend of tranquility and adventure, something magical happens.

Barriers crumble, roles blur, and beneath the tropical sun, you're no longer just a mom or a dad, a son or a daughter, but companions on a shared voyage. There's a certain beauty in this role-reversal, a humor that's intrinsic to our humanness - how a worrywart mother can become the fearless champion of adventure, or how a usually stoic son can get all worked up over a small group of dolphins barely within eyesight or a an enthusiastic daughter can contemplate for hours quietly on the beach!

Above all, these moments of shared joy and discovery, of trials and triumphs, weave a strong web of connection, one that time or distance can't easily unravel. They allow us to see each other not just as family but as individuals, with our unique quirks and qualities. They make us appreciate the love and resilience at the heart of our familial bonds.

Now, as I sit at home, the sunburn and body aches fading but the memories still vivid, I reflect on our Hawaiian escapade. I giggle at the memory of our collective grimace as we realized the cool shell Bill found was a piece of petrified already-been-chewed gum, and I feel my heart swell recalling our shared awe at the majestic waterfalls, botanical gardens and magnificent temples. But most of all, I cherish the deepened connection with my grown children.

To any families out there teetering on the fence about spending a prolonged period of good quality time together, I say: Take the leap. Walk your asses off. Dive headfirst into the awe of something new and magnificent. Explore places and each other. You might come home with sore feet (legs and hips), but I promise you, your hearts will be lighter and your bonds stronger. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll forgive them for their relentless mom jokes.

Love is ALL there is!

Diana

This episode was produced and marketed by the Get Known Service