THE SENSE OF WONDER I FELT watching my eight-year-old cousin at the beach stays with me. Collecting shells, she skipped in and out of the chilly water. The most interesting shells were uncovered by the waves, so she diligently combed the shifting sands on the water's edge. Her work did not keep her from engaging with those around her. Her warm welcome included discussing an unopened clam shell with adults and analyzing a very alive sand flea with a boy her age. Younger children were blessed by her tender care as she pointed them to a pelican floating just out of reach. Then she joined their squeals of delight as they ran down the beach chasing seagulls.
What I was watching was the innocence of childhood. And to see my cousin's strength and freedom was a relief to me, because I knew that her parents had recently divorced. Our talks that weekend told me of the loyalty and love she felt for each parent. She had an uncomplaining unselfishness that I will not forget.
My cousin's example proves a point I've been thinking about for a long time. While the human mind thinks of innocence as a quality most easily lost and disposed of, I'm learning that innocence is a quality that prevails through the harshest of life experiences.
