More than 50.years have passed since the first trip to my favorite swimmin’ spot on beautiful Oak Island. It was all about family then and now. My mom’s first cousin purchased one of the first homes on the island. Cousins, aunts, uncles, grandfathers and grandmothers frolicked in the sand and sea there over the years.

So many fond memories of this place—from swimming and catching a wave to chasing sand fiddlers and avoiding jellyfish. Last summer brought three generations of family, along with our little dog, back to Oak Island. My Aunt Janet Isenhour, an incredible NC artist, created this original watercolor painting to keep this memory of God’s blessings and this special swimmin’ spot alive for us. We are so grateful and blessed!

Cheryl Gilliam, Hickory, a member of Rutherford EMC