Whether it’s a beach near my house, a tropical vacation or an annual summer break trip, they all have an impact on me. Going to this vacation stop every summer since I was born has changed over the years, most importantly with my other brother who recently passed away.

The beach is somewhere you can go and let everything loose—feelings, emotions, thoughts, wonder almost anything. When I’m feeling down about something, going to the beach is always something that cheers me up. My favorite beach to go to is Long Sand Beach in York, Maine. The feeling of just being there is a feeling that I love because of the atmosphere. Getting off the exit and hitting the strip of stores such as Mrs. and Me, Anthony’s, Yummies and the Kittery Outlets and a bunch of my favorite restaurants brings a flood of memories.

In downtown York there are so many activities to do such as Yorks Wild Kingdom, Goldenrod Candy Shop, Funorama and so many other souvenir shops. Right along all of this is a short sandy beach with a playground and lots of areas around it for picnic events and family gatherings. The Nubble Lighthouse is also an amazing place; the ice cream up there is amazing and the view is even better. There are so many activities to do on the beach. My favorite and most important is surfing. Surfing is something that brings many people so much happiness. Beach games are also one of my favorite, whether its spike ball, Kubb, Four Square and so much more. They are all filled with happiness because they are played with loved ones and friends.

The thought of going to York every summer brings a smile to my face knowing I'll be surrounded by families that have gone for multiple years, many happy people and especially the thought of being with family in the happiest place on earth. The sound of the waves crashing, the Trolley ringing, picking people up to do tours or a trip downtown and the sound of family’s laughing and having an amazing time. Another activity I enjoy doing is jumping off the wiggly bridge when its high tide. It is always so much fun because it's mostly kids and some people can do tricks and it's fun to bring your friends there because it's something different.

This vacation spot has brought me so many amazing memories with my family and most importantly, my other brother. Memories on the beach, in the York Wild Kingdom, downtown and most importantly the family time we had together. When I go up there for the annual summer vacation, it makes me feel like he’s right there with me because of all the memories we had playing games, in the water whether it was boogie boarding, body surfing or jumping over waves. These all memories I cherish because he is no longer with me.