My mother and father regaled me with stories of my youth, as I expect everyone’s parents to have done. One of my favorites involves my first month alive on Earth. I had colic, and as such I cried a lot.
I originally set to tell the story myself, but looking for photos of me camping with them, I came across the story in my mother’s own words in my baby book.
Pop-Up Camper at Scenic View Campground in Bolton Landing July 1983
June 29, 1983
Daddy and I decided to go camping on July 4th through the 6th. You’re coming too — it’s just too bad you won’t be able to remember it. We’re hoping that the fresh air will help you sleep better. You’re having a terrible time sleeping because of your being so colicy. You keep us up for hours (7-10) because you’re in so much pain.
Another shot of our Pop-Up Camper at Scenic View in 1983
July 13, 1983
We took you to Bolton Landing July 4th to July 6th. We couldn’t believe it was you who went with us. You didn’t show any signs of colic while we were there. You slept through everything including four long walks through Lake George Village two nights. You’ve been just as good since we’ve been home. At least now you and I can enjoy each other more and it’s less strain on our relationship. Daddy likes the new you too!
The story has always sounded like one of those perfect weekends. The weather was fantastic, the Yankees threw a no-hitter against the Red Sox on Independence Day, and I never cried again. Dad’s not sure if it was the camping, the Yanks, or the pine scent. I think it’s the lake itself.
Lake George from the Southern Tip – September 4th, 2017; 6:30 PM
I’ve fallen out of my love for camping as I’ve gotten older, but walking through the village and being on the lake still has that same effect on me. The breeze off the water, the sound of the water rippling as the Minne-Ha-Ha’s pipe organ plays in the distance…
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Serenity.
I’ve been going through a pretty emotionally draining time over the last few weeks. There’s been a lot of deep contemplation about what I want to do about my marriage. I’ve been trying to come to a decision if I am up to the task of investing more energy and patience into it in order to see if it can metamorphose and satisfy me for the rest of my life.
For a few hours this evening, I got to stop overthinking and just chill out by the lake. I’m no closer to a final decision, but my mind is refreshed!
Back to the perpetual loop of uncertainty in the morning…
