The Carroll Clan's Week in the Sand

Last week, our extended family got together for our annual reunion at Myrtle Beach, SC. I come from a large family with 5 brothers, and between all of us there are 16 cousins. We all pile into a 10-bedroom beach house for a week of chaotic fun and memory-making. It's something we look forward to every year. I love watching the cousins play and strengthen their bonds. The siblings and their spouses and our parents catch up over games of spades, pool, cornhole, and ping pong. We spend long, hot days soaking up the sun on the beach and swimming in the ocean and late nights in the hot tub.

We spent the evenings sharing meals for 28 and everyone digging in buffet style then disbursing out to tables scattered across the kitchen and patio. Listening to the kids' laughter and the chatter reminiscing the day and making plans for the week sounds so sweet.

We've been fortunate to stay close all these years and have our kids grow close. Family has gotten me through these hard days. They are always there to talk, offer advice, support and unconditional love. Having downtown together strengthens our connections and gives a chance to share our losses and successes and just let the world melt away.

That one week slows life down and helps us focus on what really matters. My wish is that all of you take time to make those moments with your loved ones.

I'm hoping to turn this business into a nonprofit that can help pay for trips for women and their families coming out of abusive relationships to aide in their healing by building their confidence, independence and autonomy while helping them strengthen their bonds with their children.