A TIME CAPSULE OF MEMORIES !
For the last 22 years , I told everyone that my favorite place is in North Carolina . Not the Outer Banks that most people go to , but a special place a little more south and tucked away . This place has the most beautiful , clean and peaceful beaches that are never crowded and always welcoming . Many times , the water is so warm and calm like a bathtub , which makes it easy to float and relax - leaving reality and its demands behind . This place is Emerald Isle , a hidden gem so full of precious memories for all that visit .
When I was 12 my grandparents ( and life-long cheerleaders ) decided to leave New Jersey and retire here at the beach . I cried when they moved 12 hours away , as I hated to lose them . Visiting most all spring breaks and summers quickly became a tradition . At the beach , we learned to collect seashells to make Christmas ornaments and jewelry boxes . We learned to hunt ghost crabs by flashlight . We learned to ride waves and bury each other in the sand . We learned to slow down and enjoy the beauty in each other and all around us .
As the years passed , I always made time to visit my grandparents . It was my escape . So many memories fill the roads , beaches , shops and walkways . I shared my first kiss and summer loves here . I brought friends and had family reunions . Many years later , my husband and I now bring our boys to Emerald Isle . At age 4 and 6 , they have visited more times than they are old . The tradition is contagious and is now passed down to them , as it is now their favorite place too ! We play mini-golf , ride the race cars , cruise on jet-skis and play games at the pool . We kayak and paddle board in the sound while looking for nature ’ s beautiful creatures all around . We learn about North Carolina ’ s precious landscapes and animals at the aquarium . We soak up the sun , swim , and play along the beach . We take naps while listening to the waves crash with the refreshing ocean breeze . We feast on pig pickin ’ s with hushpuppies and sweet tea . We cheer on fishermen with their latest catch at the piers . Emerald Isle is our paradise , a precious time capsule of memories .
While I thought I was just vacationing and filling up on the sunshine , I now realized that I was learning life lessons that would carry me through the years . I learned to enjoy
the beauty all around us while reflecting and enjoying this life . I learned to be present and disconnect from distractions and rushed schedules . I learned how to play golf and make spaghetti sauce with my Grandpa . I learned how to cut french green beans , how to really listen to someone , and how to give and value unconditional love from my Mom-Mom . And that is why Emerald Isle will always be full of love .
This is my story , but the stories are infinite as four generations of our family now gather here . Our whole family not only visits throughout the year , but gathers for Smetana-Rama Family Reunions every other year . Just last month we had 40 of us at the beach together . All of us have made and cherished our own precious memories throughout the years . My Aunt could tell a story about how her wedding was almost cancelled due to Hurricane Fran , but how the whole family fought to make it down anyway . The beach houses in Emerald Isle are our gathering spot where we come from Maryland , New Jersey , Pennsylvania , Texas and Tennessee . Our week together is full of swimming , shopping , nightly meals and games . We sing karaoke , go on neighborhood scavenger hunts , and really take the time to enjoy each other .
Unfortunately , life also is full of its hardships too . My stepmom and grandfather were both hospitalized this summer . My grandfather , who is one of the strongest , smartest , and caring men I know , cannot read due to a stroke this year . He continually practices his letters and frustrates at his deteriorating health . He is always smiling and most happy watching all his kids , grandkids and great grandkids loving and being together at the beach house . In July , right before our planned family reunion , my stepmom passed at age 51 . My dad , siblings , and whole family were devastated . But we came to the beach . We came to heal , to be with each other , and to soak up the love . We came to make memories and carry on the tradition of being at our favorite place together . No matter what life throws at us , the beach is always there waiting , listening , and giving us peace of mind . I am forever grateful for this vacation spot for it has molded me into the woman , wife , mother , sister , teacher , and friend I am today . It will always be our most precious and cherished tradition !
Tamara Forte The Smetana-Rama Families
844 . 341.1962 | WWW . EMERALDISLEREALTY . COM 201