One of the happiest parts of my childhood was spent in Santa Monica, California. My father was sent there for some training, so we went with him. We lived in a magical place, the Embassy Hotel and Apartments. It is now called the Palihouse. This complex is Spanish colonial revival style with stucco walls and a red tile roof.

The courtyard was full of exotic plants. We loved walking through this space that felt like a jungle. Our apartment was on the second floor with a balcony facing the ocean.

My son went back there today. He stood on the steps where my sister and I stood over fifty years ago. He and his friend walked along that same path to the front door.

I always dreamed of returning there, but having my son there seems even more thrilling. My heart is full of gratitude that both he and I got to be in this same magical space at different times. That is what time does. It circles back to what was loved most.

What a wonderful thing!

https://smconservancy.org/property/embassy-hotel-apartments/

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