When you face death, so close you can smell its breath, you realize profound truths. About the value of life. Small pleasures are actually bigger than small, rich opportunities abound, and life offers a platter of pleasures.
In age we can cherish redolent memories of delightful experiences. I've been lucky to have many. Remembering them, the people I shared them with, and the joy I found balances the scale against decrepitude.
Some years ago my good friend Aimee took me on vacation to an idyllic spot: the Thousand Islands of St. Lawrence River (near the east end of Lake Ontario). The area, separating Canada from the U.S., contains 1,864 individual islands. A century ago it was the summer playground of wealthy New Yorkers, attracted to ineffable natural beauty.
Aimee and I took a ferry boat from Alexandria Bay to Singer Castle and Boldt Castle, locations now available to the hoi polloi. The June day was sunny, bright and dreamy. Cool zephyrs greeted us like friends on the boat-ride. The atmosphere -- and indeed entire day -- was sublime.
I'll never forget the peace, calm and pleasure I felt that day. Health, eyesight and a caring friend were present, with not a hint of trauma waiting in the near future.
It sounds idyllic! I'd very much like to visit this place! I do love a lake! Well done Amy for promoting a joyous memory!
ReplyDeleteCome over! Cross "the pond" and visit New York. :)
DeleteWhat a great memory! And isn't it lovely to be able to go back in one's blog and re-enjoy these times? I know I love that.
ReplyDeleteIn hindsight, our blogs are fertile sources of past activities. Autobiographies, even.
DeleteYou have me craving warm balmy weather, Ally! I can almost smell and hear the water from your memories.
ReplyDeleteNice! Now that's prose. :)
DeleteAlly, What a powerful reflection on life and the small, meaningful moments that make it so precious. Your description of that day in the Thousand Islands, surrounded by nature's beauty and shared with a good friend, really evokes a sense of serenity and joy. It’s moments like those that remind us of how much we have to be grateful for, even when life inevitably changes.
ReplyDeleteNice photos too. Aimee looks lovely, I like her outfit x
Danke.
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