Today was the end of our Little Pink Emerald Isle retreat, and what a great ending it was. We started our day this morning bright and early with Michelle Robinson Photography taking gorgeous family portraits. For lunch, the families were treated with gift cards to Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries.

After lunch, everyone headed to Water Boggans to hit the water slides, try to make the biggest splash, and even try to shoot themselves all the way across the pool to touch their feet to the other end. Come dinner time, everyone was exhausted from all the excitement, but that doesn’t stop this group.

At dinner, the kids continued to play on the beach while the parents shared their emotional favorite parts of the week. We had a delicious southern-style BBQ from Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q. It was the perfect meal to end such a wonderful week here in Emerald Isle, NC. The kid’s favorite part about the final dinner, however, was probably their gift bags of candy donated by Grandma’s Toy Box here in E.I.; after a long week filled with non-stop fun activities, they needed one last sugar rush.

Eventually the goodbye’s were shared, tears were shed, and footprints were made in the sand along with our memories as everyone slowly made their way up to the parking lot. No matter how many times you are reminded, it is always amazing to see how much this week can truly affect everyone involved. This week can be life-changing for many, for both volunteers and participants as well as the community around us. There’s no better feeling than hearing someone tell you that because of you and the other volunteers, they have had the best week of their lives. Hearing those words, knowing we have the ability to help someone so drastically, and watching families grow together throughout a week; it really touches all of our hearts in a way that’s hard to imagine. Little Pink thanks you all for saying yes to this retreat, and yes to opening your hearts to your new Little Pink family.