Beauty Before the Bloom

After our first vacation to Nantucket, we knew it was a spot that would stay in our hearts forever.

We time our Nantucket trips around mid-May. Partly to let the getaway fall on our anniversary, partly to avoid the influx of tourists. Mostly to take advantage of the slightly reduced travel costs. The week before “season” allows this young family to enjoy a vacation destination that otherwise isn’t quite in the budget.

On our most recent trip we stayed in a dream location in Siasconset along the southeast shore. Our days were filled with gorgeous sunrises, treks along the Bluff Walk, strolls through the charming cedar shingled alleys, late afternoon Codfish Park adventures, and ocean-view seafood dinners from the comfort of our balcony. Being pre-season the sleepy little village was even quieter than usual.

Despite the ocean views and welcome sunshine, I still felt a small emptiness that our trip was lacking a tiny element.

As we walked along the paths and through the streets lined with sparse twiggy shrubs, I knew that in just a few weeks every view would be accessorized by overflowing hydrangea flowers in blues, whites and purples. My heart ached a bit, feeling like I’ve been missing out on the full quintessential Nantucket experience.

I’ve seen photos, but my eyes long to witness firsthand the balloon size flowers and green leaves pop against the ocean-weathered gray and white cottages and fences.

In a few weeks, summer residents and visitors will arrive to experience the Island fully awake after her winter slumber. Full bloom flowers and green landscape. Bustling markets and restaurants open for business. Freshly painted white trim and manicured lawns. Porches lined with furniture and striped cushions after being tucked away from the winter fog. A full calendar of events ready to be enjoyed.

I realized the Nantucket we adore this time of year, is just a small fragment of the beautiful grandeur it will hold in less than a month.

But then I recognized, while there is joy to be had in experiencing that Nantucket, there is a different joy in seeing it come alive.

We greeted the painters daily as they freshened up the Island facades. We watched the shop owners set up their displays. And, we enjoyed the unique quiet of empty streets at 6am for our walks to Sankaty Light (with an influx of bunnies which made my two-year old squeal with delight.)

We oohed over leaves forming on the hydrangea stems. We awed over the view of the dunes leading to the ocean peppered with brown and barely green brush.

While our eyes didn’t experience the Grey Lady in all her glory, we did see the beauty in every little piece that prepares her for her purpose.

I think it makes us love her even more.

Though there is a certain joy in the end result – there is a much deeper love when you witnessed the humble beginnings.

Like watching a fledgling business grow from a guest room closet to a three suite office or drawing up house plans on a napkin at the kitchen table. You saw the dreaming, time and patience that led to the success.

And isn’t it all the same with motherhood? While others mark the journey by the big milestones, mommas see the up and down adventure along the way.

Every sleepless night leading up to the first 8-hour stretch. All of the falls and “almost there’s,” before those first steps. The months of grunts and whines preceding their first real word with real meaning.

Moms see and feel it all. If our kids came preloaded with all of these skills and accomplishments, would the milestones hold as much impact? Probably not.

Our love for them grows with every word of encouragement, cheer and happy dance. We love them before the big moments arrive – and we love them whenever those milestones happen.

So just like the hydrangeas, when we experience the moments leading up to the triumph – the season of waiting and anticipation – we have a deeper appreciation for the story.

Waiting is okay. Steady growth is good. Finding beauty in the process will change your heart.

Mark my words, I will visit Nantucket one day when the flowers are in all their glory. And, I know I’ll appreciate them even more because I saw the beauty before the bloom.