Sometimes when everything in life is changing and you feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you, it makes some sense to keep the momentum going and change even more things.   We recently did this when we decided to move from our family home of 23 years in the suburbs to a condo near the neighboring lake St. Clair.  

Over the 38 years of our marriage,  water has been a  draw for my husband and I.  We spent many family vacations in a cabin near Higgins lake and many more visits to the beautiful Burt lake near  the Straits of Mackinac in Nothern Michigan.  We have enjoyed pools in two of our homes as our children were growing up.  

There is just something about the movement, reflection, changing color, refreshing feeling as the cool water envelops every inch of our skin upon submersion.  I've even commented that the only place I feel totally disconnected from people, things, noises, distractions is under water.  This makes swimming laps a favorite activity when I really want to "get away" from it all and be alone with my thoughts!

We have only experienced our condo living in the fall and winter months so far.  Spring and summer should be a treat as we  watching the lake come alive with boating, beach  and fishing activity.  

What I didn't realize is that even in the winter if you can watch a lake there are so many variances from wind, waves, ice formations, wildlife!   It can be mesmerizing just to watch the changes.  

And so it goes with life.... things change... people leave.... people are born.... jobs change.... needs change.... but no matter what... life is interesting.... there's so much to see.... to learn... to experience..... it can be mesmerizing if we quiet our distractions and enjoy the splash of change.  

Nov. 14, 2016

It's February in Michigan...... it can be dreary and cold..... dark and damp...... or in the case of this winter, mild and sunny !  The occasional 50 - 60 degree days quickly diminish the snow and ice from a previous  storm.  It has been a hot and cold, up and down kind of winter!.  My life often feels like that.     It is just a little over 6 months since my Dad has died.  The eleven months he spent in hospice with dementia and congestive heart failure were both a blessing and a burden.  A  blessing because we had plenty of time to spend with him to let him know how much he meant to us.  We had parties to celebrate his life.... sharing happy moments.  Conversely,  a burden because we watched every bit of his decline from being eventually unable to walk or even sit upright.  He eventually lost his ability to talk understandably.  We could see the frustration in his eyes when the noises coming out of his mouth did not match up with what was in his mind.  We slowly witnessed  his  inability to swallow and  I worried everytime I helped him with his thickened liquids and pureed food that he was going to choke, by my hand.  His funeral, though sad, was a high point though.  Definately a celebration of his life... the honorable and faithfilled man he was (and still is)  All ten young adult grandchildren  shared from their heart  stories ....whether funny, heart warming or inspiring.... about how grandpa positively affected their life.... My father's three great grandchildren ages 8 years,  2 1/2 years, and 3 1/2 months were there too... with all their energy, cuteness, antics and innocence.... reminding us that life goes on..... and lives are intersected..... and  are connected ....  now.... and forever.  Since his death, the void of his absence continues to be so strong.  But absence is contrasted with the presence of new family members; a new wife for Dad's grandson... and three new great grandchildren on the way!   So soak it in... Life.... the good the bad.....the happy the sad... it's all part of an important story.... and you don't want to miss any pages!  Celebrate life, at all ages.... and all stages! ❤