A few weeks ago we were sitting on rocks on the shore,
doing one of our favorite after-work things - watching the sunset and pastorally
soaking up as much of the Lake Superior ambiance as we could before heading
back to the house. As the waves were quietly splashing on the beach, Huckleberry
and one of the cats were sitting contently nearby, wafting in the light
breeze and eyeing the raucous sea gulls, who, thinking that we should be
feeding them, jockeyed for position above us. The mood was serene and one
that totally refreshes the mind after a day of publishing activity.
Next door on the rocky beach we spied a couple of north shore visitors
- young teen-agers getting acquainted with the pleasures of skipping and
throwing rocks into the lake. I thought back to the days when such an event
was rare for me because I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and only occasionally
got the chance to visit the lakeshore. Surely, the memory of these moments
of rock tossing will remain with these kids as they go on their way, post
vacation, as my memories have stayed with me. More surely, years from now,
as they begin their own families, they will recall those quiet moments
at the lake’s side and wish that they could recapture the joy of waves
and wind and sounds and sun. Perhaps there will be enough of the urge to
recapture that youthful moment that they will take family in tow and venture
“up” to the lake for a few days of enlightenment. And the creation of new
memories.
I suppose it’s hard not to take what you’re used to doing for granted once
in a while. The ability to indulge in the lake with our family of animals
and to see how they thrive in wild surroundings is something we assume
is normal. Our pleasure in being near the lake and listening to the sounds
is an experience we never question. But, seeing these kids, whom we know
came from afar, get as much enjoyment as we do made me think that we must
renew our commitment and refresh our wonder at the lake to really appreciate
it.
I hope that at least once a year you get your chance to sit by the lake
and feel its impact. If not, reach back into your memories and recall the
experience of a toe-dip or sprayed face. Renew the experience - even if
you were there just yesterday. It’s good for your soul.
Paul L. Hayden
Editor
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