~The catch of the day~

This evening I am trying to not focus on what we didn't have at the Lake this weekend, but to appreciate the things we did have.

For one, we have the actual Lake house; your lake house. We have your thousands of pictures and various knick knacks, we have the crossroad puzzle Dad was last working on and Mom's book right where she left it marked. We have a beautiful view that is priceless and a peacefulness of quiet surroundings that you cannot get anywhere else in Michigan. I have my Grandfather and Uncle and Aunt who retired and live in Harrison. I had Family and Friends up there to reminisce of times spent with you and to tell me what amazing entertainers you were, which I know so well. We have Dad's jeep or should I say, his "pride and joy". We have the four wheelers for the boys to toy around in and we have that pontoon boat, which currently does not run because only Dad knew how to start it, to take us back to you both trolling around Half Moon Lake. And we had gorgeous weather...

As I talk about all of these things, unfortunately none of them take the place of you actually being there. See, I was trying to focus on the positive, but then it comes down to the truth. This is all just "stuff". Stuff that actually upsets me because you are no longer there. Sure this is a great place that I truly want to keep and would love to share it with the rest of my Family and Friends, but most of them will never understand the true joy you both felt when up there. The second you pulled in your every day stress went away. Or maybe they will understand, with time. They may learn to love it just like you did. Like I do.

I'm sorry, but I cannot possibly sugar coat this weekend to make it something it wasn't. Look- it sucks not having you there and that is the bottom line. But I can tell you we did enjoy ourselves. You would have laughed at some of our moments. Mom Close and I tried to sun ourselves only to find Gracie chewing an Ant killer trap which led to Ted giving her peroxide to induce vomiting. Aydan ran threw the backdoor screen and ripped it out. Bruin (Mom and Dad Close's dog who weighs 140 lbs) jumped in the Lake off the dock which prompted Ted to jump in fully clothed (see proof below). Aydan and I made a homemade Flag Cheesecake which everyone enjoyed (they weren't just being nice either!). Aunt Missy thought she would be a nice Aunt and let Aydan watch Scary Movie 4 only to find swearing and naked women running around. This ended the evening in tears when my 5 year old nephew realized I would be turning on something rated G. So I made a mistake-ooppss. Matt and Ted worked on the boat motor only to come to one conclusion, only Dad knew how to work the 1978 year old motor and we will be forced to purchase a new one! Mom Close made wonderful Chicken Wings and breakfast and helped clean up the house. Dad Close brought lots of beer for everyone to enjoy over a classic game of corn hole. And last but certainly not least, I had the joy of watching my nephew, who misses his Gamma and Papa so much, be a 5 year old. Not a 5 year old that has just suffered a tremendous loss but a child that has his full life ahead of him. And catching his first fish is just the beginning of his many achievements in life. This I am sure of.

Enjoy the pictures Mom and Dad.