Remembering Jones Beach

“Jones Beach had HUGE waves, and when they would come over you, it was like AHHHH. It’s cold when you first go in.The water is…is so embracing. I think I was four or five years old when Aunt Mildred and Uncle Herman would take me to Jones Beach. I remember it, even though my mind is not reliable most of the time. I remember those waves. I can still smell them. Aunt Mildred would stand by me and hold my hand, and we would JUMP with each wave, and the waves would go completely over my head (Extra). Oh, I loved that so much! I was made for the water.

“My mother would say to Aunt Mildred, ‘You hold her hand the whole time, don’t let her get away.’ I would never try to get away from Aunt Mildred. My mother wanted to control everything, but she couldn’t control the ocean. I loved that.”