Feeling Blessed

[jkjoshuatree]

I kissed my first girl on Bear Island.

I learned to swim on Bear Island. So did all of my siblings, my nephews and niece, and one or two very unhappy cats.

I’ve been on the lake on nights so still I could see the stars reflected on the water.

I once went an entire summer without having to get into a car. Everything can be done “by boat”.

I met one of my best friends on Bear Island. The fact that she’s a Yankees fan is something I can forgive because she lives in Connecticut now, which, although “technically” part of New England, isn’t. At all.

I got my first job on Winnipesaukee. My commute was a twenty minute boat ride followed by a short walk up a hill and through a golf course. Not a bad gig for a gangly teenager who had absolutely no idea how lucky he was. He does now though.

I was taught to “live off the land” one summer by picking blueberries, catching fish, and boiling milkweed. I lasted until lunch time.

I’ve seen it rain on one side of the cottage and be bright and sunny on the other, because that’s just how the weather rolls on Winnipesaukee, yo.

I got married to one of the most amazing people I’ve ever known on the shores of Winnipesaukee. The fact that she still tolerates me enough to be in her life is just further testament to the person she is.

I’ve learned to water ski on Winnipesaukee. I learned how to snorkel, how to drive a boat, and how to slow down too. That last one is the most important I think. And I think most people would agree.

I’ve anchored off shore and surreptitiously snuck into the girls camp on the island. Daring, dashing and exciting? Nope. Cold, wet, and waterlogged is more like it. But it’s something I’ll never forget.

I spent countless hours exploring almost every inch of this magnificent lake with nothing more than a thirteen foot boat, a towel, and young boy’s imagination.

It still holds that magic today. And I think it will for quite a while.

Every time I’m here I’m with the best friends I’m ever going to have.

I eat more than I should, laugh louder than what’s socially acceptable, and nap just for the sake of napping. It doesn’t get much better than that, in my humble opinion.

I also realize just how unbelievably awe-inspiring this world can be.

Bear Island is just one little corner of that world, but it’s our corner, and it’s more than enough. It’s more than anyone could ever ask for.

When the time comes for my body to expire, my ashes will be spread on the water out front and that’s just fine with me. I wouldn’t have it any other way, actually.

[DBreskin]

I loved your post, and so did my wife. She's not a member here but shared your post on her blog. You can see it here: http://brendajorett.wordpress.com/

Thanks.

Edited September 5, 2014: The original post was removed from my wife's blog at the author's request.

[pcmc]

I read this with a smile. You have lived well. :)

[garysanfran]

The older you get, the more valuable it becomes, and more gets deposited with every experience.

I have all the same memories and experiences, except at the end of Meredith Neck over the last 54 years.

When my mother got Alzheimer's, her memory bank account was robbed of everything she had "saved" over her life. The upside? She was a good natured Alzheimer's victim and everyday, and everything, was a new experience. The sunrise. The sunset. A rock protruding through the surface of the Lake. The "Mt." going by. She marveled at everything as though it were new. Something I was beginning to take for granted, she was discovering as "new, for the last time".

Enjoy your memories. You've earned them.

[RumGuy]

Although I wasn't as adventurous, I have so many of the same memories:
A Summer with no transportation other than a boat and a trail bike.
Nights just watching the water. I was doing that when I heard that Elvis died, and although not a fan, it stayed with me.
Learning how to light a propane oven without a pilot (if the door flies open, it's lit,but you've done it wrong)
My kids reliving some of my childhood (although they are just now getting old enough to appreciate it)
Marrying my best friend on the shore.
BB guns and cans , which I still enjoy while ignoring food on the grill

I need to appreciate it more than I sometimes do......

[glennsteely]

That post could have been written by me.....that was truly beautiful brother!! We all have had so many similar great times at the lake.....wow! I'll tell you what, the part about slowing down touched me really deep. I lived pretty fast when I was home in Jersey, back then, but I ALWAYS slowed down up there in summer. Many great lessons learned in those summers, and still being learned today, when I watch my kids playing in the lake.....wow! You sure hit a lot of nails on their proverbial heads with this post.....thank you.

[rgilfert]

This is amongst my absolute favorite posts that I've read since I began reading the forum .... So well said. Like you, I have a very similar list of "lake" loves dating back 64 years. Thanks so much for sharing, well done!

[SIKSUKR]

Post of the year.Period!

[Just Sold]

Such a wonderful post and I agree it's the post of the year.
I too have many memories of the lake that formed me in my younger years and they have stuck with me even when I was away for long periods of time. They are always there when I return to the lake.
Just this past Saturday after having had a stressful week and then arriving at the lake we got out on the boat I said to my wife I am now feeling so relaxed, so much better. What a wonderful place to be.

[glennsteely]

I also would vote for it for post of the year!!