Although this is typically a place for Real Estate tips I have been known to throw in some life tips and this is one of those times. Now, more than ever, our focus is on our cherished beach and what we can do to stem the tide of oil and moreover to counter the negative impact that the fear preceding the event is causing on our coast. There is something about our beach for residents and tourists alike, that leaves an impression of our beach in their heart and soul. The sand sticks in your toes and the feeling travels with you forming some of the best memories of your life.
We are so grateful to the mass of people who continue to flock here and support our beautiful home that you have made your home as well. It is going to take all of us to counter what man has done and to protect our shoreline in the future. When I was deciding how to bring the message of unity and grace across these pages I found a story that sums it up and hopefully will leave you with a great message.
A few years ago at the Seattle Special Olympics, nine contestants, all physically or mentally disabled, assembled at the starting line for the 100 yard dash. When the gun sounded they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the relish to run the race to the finish and win.
All, that is , except one boy who stumbled on the asphalt, tumbled over a couple of times, and began to cry. the other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and paused. Then they all turned around and went back. Every one of them. One girl with Down’s syndrome bent down and kissed him and said, “This will make it better.” Then all nine linked arms and walked together to the finish line.
Everyone in the stadium stood, and the cheering went on for 10 minutes.
It is my hope that during this oil crisis that you reach deep down and grab the hand of your neighbor and help those that are in need because of this catastrophe. There are many out there that could use your help and your hope as we all focus on all that we have. Know that the spirit of this beach can never be washed away by anything. I am grateful to live here and we are thankful for our visitors who love us too. So this week more than ever please remember, “The only people we have to get even with are those that have helped us.”
Karen K. Smith
Beachy Beach
Real Estate
karen@karensbeach.com
http://www.karensbeach.com
thebeachshow.com
850-527-5651
“The only people we have to get even with are those that have helped us”
PCBDaily 
Very inspiring article, Karen!
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Karen,
I feel the same way! That’s why I’m helping to organize Hands Across The Sand events in Panama City. On Saturday, June 26 hundreds of thousands across the globe at beaches, lakes, bridges and other locations will join hands to draw a human “line in the sand” to say NO to further oil drilling and YES to Clean Energy! At PCB we will be gathering at Laguna Beach on the West end across from the Carousel Grocery, at Pier Park on the dog friendly beach, and at Spinnaker Beach Club at 11:00 and at noon we will all join hands.
We all need to join together to pull through this disaster and to get real change to happen in our government so that we can lessen our dependency on oil and prevent this kind of disaster in the future. This could very well be the largest gathering against oil drilling in history! I hope you’ll join us!
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Well said Karen…….I’m a little partial to that quote myself…….Keep up the good work my friend. (The roots of fear and depression cannot take root in a grateful heart.~Andy Andrews)
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Rawls, I will most surely be there. I live on this beautiful west end and will be there with bells on. I am glad that you enjoyed the article.
grateful and enthusiastic about change for the good!!!!
karen
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Karen,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I grew up in PC, but am now far away and feeling helpless and fearful for those beautiful beaches of my childhood.
I felt my heart calm when I read “the spirit of this beach can never be washed away by anything.” There are great people doing great deeds; you (and my mom) are some of them. Brava!!
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Karen,
That story gave me goose bumps! I just recently moved here & I have grown to love this place & the people here so much! You are one of them!! There is so much more to PC Beach than just the beach. I just hope the word gets out about that! I will love this place; oil or no oil!! Panama City Beach has the beautiful beaches and beautiful souls here!!
🙂 Brandi
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Stacy and Brandi,
I just get so excited when people comment and let us know how they have been impacted for the good. We are all a people of influence our task is to make it a good one!!! There are many incredible people here and the heart of the place goes beyond our borders. I am confident that we will all be stronger and learn a great life lesson!!! Get the word out that our beaches are beautiful and the people are even more so.
I am so beyond Grateful that I get to write an article each week for these great folks at CyberSytes and Pcbdaily.
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