A Saturday at Lake of the Woods

A couple of weekends ago Rory and I went to Lake of the Woods - the park as she calls it - for a walk, to see some dogs, and to get some sun.  We started with a climb to the top of the watchtower to get a view of the spring landscape.  The Redbuds and apple trees were in full bloom and the Oak leaves were a light, almost green color.  I hadn't climbed the tower since I was a kid and Rory loves climbing stairs.  On our approach to these I heard an "up", which means I need to pick her up.  The view was spectacular, but Rory seemed more impressed with the structure of the watchtower itself, than the overlook of the lake, the trees, and sky.

On our climb down we discovered we weren't the only ones with this idea.  My friend Steve from the Vineyard and his friend Vicki were thinking the same thing.  Its funny because they hadn't been to the top of the tower for probably 25 years.  It was also a beautiful twist of fate.  They are both experienced, well-prepared parents.  They brought cameras and Steve packed a cooler full of ice cold cokes and a bag of pretzels, which my christian brother offered as well as some nice conversation.  Steve works for Coca Cola and has three children: 28 year old, 27, and 24.  He's went through a divorce two years ago and now offers support and encouragement to me and others as part of his healing process.  Being single again takes some work.  Vicki has also been through the big D and now owns her own business and was recently blessed with another grandchild.    

The sun was beaming and our chance encounter wasn't going to deter any of us from making the most of it.  Steve and Vicki brought fishing poles.  So after enjoying our snack we made our way to one of the park's ponds to do a little fishing.  Steve wasn't catching anything but a few small bluegills were gathering at the end of the dock, drawn in by Steve's lure.  We tossed them some crackers and watched eat as Vicki snapped some photos.  Rory is a brave little girl when it comes to water.  She sees a puddle and wants to step in it.  She sees a creek and wants to climb down into it.  If she had her way she'd have soggy bottoms at the end of our tromps through the woods.  On this occasion it would be a complete immersion. 

You know my image of a family always included husband, wife, children and grandparents.  These are the relationships I grew to know.  But my child will grow up in a different world.  She'll know mom and dad aren't married.  I'm uncertain how this will impact her adult life.  Maybe the relationships we have with others will be more important.  Maybe the marriages she does see work will inspire her.  I don't know, Rory will have to find her own way, with my support of course. 

Cheers,

Joel