Day 504

It was our turn to close the family cabin this year. As we repeated the time-honored rituals started by my parents so long ago, memories flooded my heart.

When I was a child, my folks took care of everything. Always my dad's "shadow," I remember splitting wood to dry over the winter, hauling in the boats and putting plexiglass over the porch windows (one year, we dropped a sheet on my toes and broke four of them...not even a tear was shed since I didn't want dad to feel bad.) were a few of the items on the Closing List. Being in my dad's presence was such a joy.

This weekend, our dear Amanda and Matt helped with the list. After they left, unlike the plexiglass event of years past, there were a few tears.

I took my Goldens on their favorite walk for the last time this year. I treasured those moments and was flooded with other pups whose shadows are always near. Each year, there are new memories, but the past ones are near and dear to my heart.

We have a wall in the great room where guests, since the 1960's, have signed their names. Before closing each year, I always walk over and place my fingers on their signatures. So many of those loved ones came through the cabin and, now, are no longer with us. I simply let the memories of our times together flood my heart.

When it is time to lock the door, I always go down towards the lake to say a final farewell. With tears in my eyes, I let all the memories of loved ones...two and four-legged alike...walk with me. I can almost feel them beside me and know how blessed I am to be a part of this place that pulls people together. Turning to leave, I can almost hear my dad repeat words I had heard many times before, "Don't cry, Honey. It's only a "thing." It's the people we love that are important. We'll be back next year".

All tucked in at home, I can now let the memories of this year sink in. Family, love, fun and dogs...lots of dogs!