x
Breaking News
More () »

Cherish the slowdown of family vacations - My 2 Cents

After a week at the beach with her family, WFMY News 2's Maddie Gardner reflects on how the moments are a bit sweeter after a year of the pandemic.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — It's time for 'My 2 Cents.'

I just got back from a week-long vacation with my family. Seven days of relaxation, quality time and a lot of sweet moments with my nieces. It went by too fast but I'm still so grateful for every day I had with everyone.

There's something so refreshing about being around loved ones. We've all grown up and moved out and rarely are we all together. Beach vacations are part of our family's history - from Myrtle Beach to Emerald Isle. Location has changed, our group has grown, we spend our days differently but many things are the same - time on the beach, in the pool or at family dinners.

Over the past year the importance of family time has become top of mind. Because we couldn't see our loved ones as often as we normally do, because it was a bit more stressful when we did get together, because beach trips didn't happen - this week meant more than ever.

I brought a lot of what I learned or picked up during the pandemic to the beach. Over the past year I think we all kind of went back to the basics. We stayed home, focused on the little things, and appreciated moments. Because of that - I had a newfound appreciation for the slowdown vacation brings. It allowed me to see it all through a new lens.

It's always sad when vacations come to an end but there's so much I'll remember and cherish about our family's time together this year. Who knows when we'll all be with one another again or what that will look like - but it's nice to know we'll have these memories to last until then.

As you look back on and plan trips this summer - take in each second, enjoy the things you haven't in the past, and soak in all of that quality time.

Before You Leave, Check This Out