I’m beaming this Friday afternoon. A decision to put my health first today instead of chores. What I’m beaming about though is the opportunity to participate in a long-standing Maryland tradition. The crab feast is something special and I love attending a few each summer.

Beams are great building materials. I’ve worked to build some beams in life. I beam about my children and grandchildren. I beam about my career in newspapers. I beam about our home even though it’s modest. I beam about being married for decades for the first and only time in my life.

I beam about the wristband my daughter had made that says, “Family Beach Trip 2026.” And the drawing my 4-year-old grandson made about all the things we did at the beach together.

I beam about my low-end camera equipment. I beam when I’m riding in my old Miata with the top down. I beam when cutting the grass on my new tractor.

When my health is good, I’m beaming with enthusiasm. And I’m beaming with joy at having an afternoon and evening ahead with nothing planned. Now if the power stays on through the afternoon storms I’ll be beaming with progress.