A HAPPY PLACE

I have been putting a book together for each of our kids with pictures of places and people in Cambridge. I plan on sending it with Joel Reasoner (a staff person at CSC) who will be traveling back to the children's shelter at the end of the week. It has been fun to gather pictures and notes from teachers, administrators and people at church. I have also included pictures of our house, the medical center, the schools and our church.

Last night, Allen and I went on a little adventure on the Rum River. Whenever he gets a chance, Allen loves to take his canoe down to the river and do some fishing. He often tries to get one of us to go with him, but sadly...we usually decline. I went with him last night because I wanted to get some pictures of him in his canoe for our new kids. Also, it was such a beautiful evening for a DATE. How could I pass that up? Allen had been down earlier in the day and caught seven fish! Naturally, he was so excited for me to come so he could show me his fishing expertise! I had great hopes of capturing a great picture of him and a BIG fish. We paddled through the back waters to the river. (Actually, I didn't exactly paddle much at all. Allen did 90% of the paddling and 100% of the fishing. I was taking pictures and enjoying the scenery.) We went down the river to an island that Allen frequents when he takes the canoe out. He often stops at this spot to fish so we both got out. It was so quiet and peaceful . Although I had been there before, I had forgotten how beautiful it was. No wonder he likes to go to this place! It is a safe place... a happy place.

After our "photo shoot", we headed back up the river toward our home. We didn't really talk about anything. We didn't need to. It was enough to just listen to the sound of the paddle pushing through the water and to enjoy the beauty of the river...together. I suspect that next year this time it will be easier to find a fishing partner for Allen. I think our kids will LOVE it. I think I LOVE it! I just forgot how wonderful it was...and to think that it is right in our back yard...! By the way, Allen didn't catch ONE fish on our little excursion! He was a little disappointed...but not me! I had a GREAT time and I have a great excuse to go out with him next time!