Friday, April 25, 2008

Thank you, for leaving a special place






















Most of my childhood memories have Harrison, MI or "up-north" in them. We have been going up there since all of us were born and I have 28 years of memories to cherish and many more to make, as we continue this tradition in sharing this special place, with our family and friends.



Thank you, Mom and Dad for introducing us to this beautiful place in Michigan. Christina and I are doing everything we can to hold on to the lake house to be able to carry on the tradition, in honor of you. We were so blessed to have a second place to call home all of these years, a place to drive up to when school got out for the Summer, or a warm place during the Winter to enjoy the snow. Now Uncle Stan and Aunt Linda call Harrison, MI home as well as Grandpa Griener, and many of your friends, that are starting to retire.

When I think of Harrison, MI, I think of:


family and friends, clear skies, stars, lakes, s'mores, campfires with the up-north crew, Cranberry lake, the club house, watermelon contests, egg tosses, horseshoes, water skiing, Dad taking us tubing while Christina and I yelled so loud, turtles, snowmobiling, four-wheelers, Walravens ice-cream, Dad grilling, Mom sweeping off the porch, snacks at the beach, Justin and Dad fishing, Half Moon Lake, your new place, Pontoon boats, New Years eve, Dad's cinnamon french toast, drinks on the deck, parties, laughter, fresh air, relaxation, and of course, I think of you, my wonderful parents and the joy, that this place brought to your life.

So, look forward to many more cruises around half moon lake- we'll anchor and go for a swim, we have plans to finish that basement and make that bar you have always dreamed of, and most importantly, it will be a place to gather the people we love, where we will thank you, for leaving us all a very, special place.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

When I first met your parents, they would never stop talking about "up north". Like you said it was their pride and joy! Having experienced many memories in Harrison, MI, I know why they loved it so much especially after they introduced us to pizza pies over the campfire, learning how to play 31, and of course loading up in the truck to go to Red's Bar. Those are just a few memories we have experienced as we look forward to many more to come!!!! Your parents are so proud of you, as they would want you and Christina to continue to carry on the "up north" family tradition!

Love, Mel

Anonymous said...

Melissa,
Your "Up-north" MI memories sound as warm and wonderful as our "beach house" memories.
We are so VERY grateful to have that gift that was left to us and cherish the memories shared there by those who left it to us.
It's so wonderful to have something so special to run to for a quick injection of LOVE!

MaryS said...

GREAT TIMES for sure! I hope you and Christina are able to hold on to your "spot" "up north." Nothing better than sitting around a campfire with good friends and family. What a wonderful place for you and your family to be that much closer to your parents. You know the "up north crw" can't wait to share in many more good times with you.

xoxo
Mary

Anonymous said...

I was lucky to make a trip "up north" and will carry that time with me forever. It was a great time fishing and swimming all day and around the fire at night. I hope to be invited again!

Love
Al

Lynn Berg said...

If this is the same cabin you're talking about I remember spending a few weekends there with both our families. You guys were very lucky to have such great parents and a wonderful family.