Humans have always had an interesting relationship with water.
Water itself is pervasive, covering 71% of the Earth’s surface— with the majority of these waters being unexplored. Its vast, omnipotent presence combined with its importance in sustaining life has left humans with feelings of awe and wonder since the beginning of mankind.
In fact, humankind as a whole has organized its societies around water, with 80% of the world’s population living within 60 miles of an ocean, river, or lake. Still, despite its importance in our lives, some people have never gotten the opportunity to see the ocean.
Ninety-year-old Enid Marie Weide had never visited the ocean.
Although she had lived long enough to witness The Great Depression, WWII, the invention of the internet, and the first man in space— the senior from New Jersey had never seen the ocean or splayed her toes in the sand.
As Enid grew older and less mobile, she gave up the idea that she would see the ocean in this lifetime. Instead, all she could hope for was that her ashes would be laid to rest in the great, watery expanse.
Recently, Enid told her oldest daughter, Jeanne, she wanted her ashes to be mixed with her husband’s and spread in the ocean. This, she said, would make her husband happy and allow her to finally feel the ocean for the first time.
Something about Enid’s request stuck with Jeanne, who later shared the story with some friends. Putting their heads together, they planned a big surprise.
On June 26, Enid’s daughters and a few family friends carried the senior down to the beach in Ensenada Baja, California.
The family had kept everything a secret. “Mom was initially confused as to why someone was bringing round a wheelchair, after all, she knew we already had a wheelchair,” said Jeanne. “When I told her what we had planned as a surprise for her, I wasn’t quite sure if she was happy, confused or concerned.”
“The reality soon kicked in that she was actually going down to the beach, to put her toes in the water, and she was so excited.”
When Enid felt the ocean water, she immediately burst into tears.
After 90 years, the senior had never thought she’d get to experience something like this. She couldn’t help but cry tears of joy, splashing and wading in a childish manner.
“It was overwhelming to be able to give this gift to her. I thought she would be happy but I was not prepared for how happy this simple act of kindness … would make her feel.”
As mentioned, people have always had a deep connection with water. In fact, Wallace J. Nichols, a marine biologist, coined the term “blue mind” to describe the meditative way people feel when near, in, on or under water. Because water is so important to survival, he believes humans actually evolved to feel good in its presence.
Since being uploaded, Enid’s touching reaction has been viewed thousands of times. It’s wonderful to see her experience a simple pleasure that so many of us take for granted every day.
See her reaction below.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
