I am fortunate in so many ways including the amazing experiences at my parents’ cottage, the family cottage. As this post goes live, it is changing hands; out of our hands. Faced with the end of an era, I now reflect on how it has influenced my life, this summer treasure of over 30 years. I dedicate this post to these reflections.

It was built as an original, out my parents’ vision. They spent their retired, warmer months relishing in the slower pace of cottage life. They were architects of their own sanctuary, simultaneously and purposefully creating a space where their children and their children’s children could be refreshed in their company and by the ocean breezes.

So what do I cling to in this transition? What do I hold close to my heart as I say farewell to this home away from home? This was an estate where life-partners, grand children and friends made introductions or re-connections. This was a seasonal hearth where relief embraced you as you stepped across the threshold and worries drifted into the open skies. The mantra that links my thoughts to that place is anchored to gratitude.

I am grateful for the bursts of light at sunrise, filling the rooms and greeting you out of sleep; the everlasting, painted sunsets arresting your thoughts. I have gratitude for the deeper sleeps, the bigger dreams and the time away from my millennial-paced life.

I feel blessed by the songs, the laughter, the card games and the roller coaster of conversations among siblings. I am thankful for the easy swims, the long beach walks, the sand castles and the special trips to town. Though most powerful for me was the regular realization of my blessings. This was the fruition of my parents’ dream, surrounded by nature, a loving family and a luxurious coastline. Spending time there, appreciation rose to the surface of my mind as easy as breathing. Constant reminders placed me in a perpetual state of gratitude.

That is what remains with me, the estate of gratitude.

An Estate of Gratitude

Here, I count my blessings to match the hummingbird’s flutter. I slow my breath to the rhythm of the ocean waves. I acknowledge the nourishing roots of my heart. Here, I sleep on a cushion of salt air pushed around by the moon. I appreciate my lack of ambition in a game of solitaire. Here, I am in a perpetual estate of gratitude.

Here, I marvel at the sand castle on the beach and in my dreams. I am moved to sing praises to the Great Hand carving out the scenery. I revel in the warm swims without borders. Here, I tear up for the company of my family in close quarters. I bravely scar from the bite of the horsefly and the swarm of mosquitoes. Here, I am in a perpetual estate of gratitude.

Here, I am in awe of the seasonal symptoms, more evident to all my senses. I consciously drown in tradition to energize my future. I recognize the sun’s glorious heat and dramatic finales. Here, I am aware how my pace slows with the tide. I can sigh the relief of limbs stretching across an unfettered landscape. Here, I am in a perpetual estate of gratitude.

Brian Toner 2019