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Captain Crustus Crustaceous |
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The Speckled, milky-white sand burned my feet the day I met Captain Crustus Crustaceous.�� The sun had risen high in the sky, a gentle breeze blew in from off the rocky jetty to the east, and a bead of sweat dripped off my nose.�� Mama used to say that you cannot know that you love something until you lose it.� I thought she only meant those big, obvious things, the ones that change your life on the spot, but who can decipher the wisdom of Mama?� |
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As I walked along the rocky coast, listening to the crash of the waves and inhaling the mixture of salt air and cocoa butter, a giant gull swooped across me.� For a long time, I drifted through the sea of straw hats and aged ladies painted to perfection.� Amidst the beach blankets and tan bodies, middle-aged men with big bellies and mustaches, I waited.� |
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It had been three days since I had last held my boy.�� This trip home to New England had been planned for months. My father and his wife� had reserved this weekend for the shameless spoiling of their grandchild.� It was here on this sunny shore that we were to meet.� |
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My skin was scorched, rough and red when at last he strolled into view.� Holding his Nanny and Grampy's hand, he smiled at me with teeth too big for his over-stretched lips.� Holding him tightly against me, I thanked the Lord for my little miracle. I thanked Him for bringing him safely back to me.� I did not, however, thank him for Crustus. |
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I must confess that the Captain and I were not the best of friends at first.� Captain Crustus Crustaceous was a one-inch hermit crab with a smooth shell and a cranky disposition.�� He had been purchased on the Massachusetts seacoast that day.�� We named him while on the long road home back to Virginia.� |
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Above shown: Grampy and Nanny's favorite pastime..... Spoiling the boy. Here we are at Woodman's Seafood House. At left, a beautiful day was spent in Gloucester, MA. Grampy is happy because we are about to get ice cream! |
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