This piece was inspired by at trip to Turtle Beach in Siesta Key, Florida, July 29th 2017. My family and I were on vacation and for my birthday we decided to spend our last day at the beach soaking up the sun, listening to the waves and swimming in the crystal blue waters. Within only a short time a dolphin suddenly beached itself next us. Startled, other beach goers jumped up to help get this beautiful creature back into the water. Soon other dolphins arrived and began to display similar behavior. What started with only one ended with many dolphins that were either sick, confused, or acting heroically trying to save one of their own.
That I will never know.
Unfortunately, one kept coming back to the beach. As we all did our best to save this little guy, I was struck at how his pod waited patiently in the water for his return. They gathered in what looked to be approximately 50 dolphins...maybe more; like a family searching for a loved one. Sadly, they will be forever waiting...