We sometimes associate certain places with a specific event in our lives. Behold such great childhood memories that never fade.

There are places I’ll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone, and some remain

– The Beatles

Behold

My childhood home was something to behold

Surrounded by nothing other than nature

Tall evergreens in every direction

They swayed and bowed in the cooling winds

Provided shade for us in the heat of the day

And shelter from a sudden downpour

Born and raised in Forest Lake

I was unaware that everyone didn’t have

The luxury of being surrounded by such beauty

Every day I woke to beautiful friends who

Happened to also be trees

I would bow or curtsy as I walked or rode by

And when the wind would howl

They would return the kind gesture

Bowing to me as if saying hello

I moved away to college where I was

Surrounded by rolling hills

Not as many trees to admire

But never-ending ground to explore

I then was married and had the unexpected

The pleasure of being surrounded by a lake

Not just any lake, the lake of all lakes

Lake Minnetonka glistened like diamonds

During the day and sparkled under the moon

Each night when I would return home and

Rest my weary head so I could enjoy it again

The next day would bring another adventure

When we moved to the country in Carver

I missed being surrounded by trees

I missed searching out every lake

Flat farmland filled with homes

Homes as far as the eye could see

Homes that housed my neighbors

Which created community

Community and fellowship and

Lifelong relationships with people

That I adore and love

So now even though I am not greeted

By trees or hills or lakes

I am greeted by smiles and kindness

With hugs and cups of coffee

With laughter and a promise

Joy and happiness will be found together

Minnesota will always be my home

A treasured friend

With whom I will never part

I am forever thankful for Minnesota.

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