Day 1055

There are times in your life when you need to say goodbye to a “thing” you dearly love. Even though a beloved building has no true pulse, it is a treasure chest of memories, traditions and the very breath of people you love.

Today was one of those farewells. Our family cabin was purchased in 1968 and the love and memories enveloped the place from that moment on. Every dog I have adored in my entire life has had their time at the cabin (along with in the lake) and I can visualize them immersed in absolute joy there. Becky, Mollie, Mickey, Rosie, Oreo, Arthur, Ranger, Lilly and even little Nicky have left their pawprints there. My children spent their summers there. Friends and loved ones have written their names on the wall when they stayed with us. Leaving for the last time touched my heart in predictable and also surprising ways.

The typical sadness was part of the farewell, but a wave of gratitude was also present. How lucky I was to share this space with those I loved. It was time for a new adventure.

“Things” can be personified, but they also seem to have a lifeblood of their own. That energy follows us and we keep it in our hearts. Gratitude, memories and a sense that our “friend” will remain with us no matter where we go on our journey.