22 Comments
User's avatar
Pamela Krawczyk's avatar

Simply beautiful! It brought back memories of when my sister and I had to manage the properties and estates of several elderly relatives who had passed away. The houses weren’t in great shape and needed a lot of work inside and out. With limited finances, we poured in plenty of “sweat equity” to make them ready for another person or family to cherish. Along the way, each place had its share of wildlife stopping by to check on our progress. We joked it was the “spirit” of an aunt or uncle returning to say, “good job” and “thank you”! Years have passed, and after moving a few times, I’ve noticed that animals always seem to show up wherever we go. My husband believes it’s because they sense we’re there to help, not harm. Without fail, two doves have nested near us each time—a blessing from Mother Nature that we chose wisely. Thank you for filling our hearts with joy, laughter, and love. Your words truly resonate.

Kate Welshofer's avatar

This is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing, Pamela.

Michele Schoenfeldt's avatar

Absolutely love! And I love hearing you after your written words! Thank you and please continue sharing ❤️🦌🦌

Chip Houser's avatar

Another well written essay. You have a gift for capturing the importance of everyday events

Kate Welshofer's avatar

Thanks so much for checking it out, Chip. Appreciate it!

Janice's avatar

Beautiful….tears in my eyes🥲

AOL.Mail's avatar

We had a similar cabin out side of Delavan. NY. Many similar experieces were enjoyed there

PETER PALMISANO's avatar

Lovely piece, Kate. And I agree completely..except when the rabbits and voles help themselves to my veggie garden!

Linda Stuber's avatar

Sometimes the critters are destructive but I can't bring myself to do anything that would harm them. They're all God's creatures.

Sharon Liberto's avatar

This column really hit home Kate....thanks for being you my friend 💖

Kate Welshofer's avatar

Thank you, Sharon. I appreciate it!

AOL.Mail's avatar

This is so nice and relaxing. Great jib!

Kelly A. Walters's avatar

Love your stories and the humor in your writing.

Josie's avatar

🦌 ❤️🥰

Pam Bouquin's avatar

A beautiful story. I had an uncle who had a place where we go all the time. He bought when I was five, but unfortunately he passed away at 39 when I was 13. He was a very interesting person, who I have been writing about, and thinking of sharing some day. I know how it is when someone passes and everything changes, but you keep those memories tucked in the secret part of our hearts. I am passionate animal lover with my photography. I get many pictures because I believe the animals think I am "safe", I talk to them quietly and move slowly so not to scare them. I did get a fawn, that popped up when my came up and it started to nurse, it is was special moment.

John Grek's avatar

This is a really nice article you wrote. Thank you, and I hope to read more articles like this from your area. We used to visit frequently when the Champion store was there and buy lots of socks and shirts. A beautiful village.

John Abraham's avatar

very nice makes you think thank you

Julie Waters's avatar

I recently visited a special place from childhood that evokes similar memories,

especially of the critters who tolerated us and our noisy chants of "how much wood would a woodchuck chuck ...?"

along the trails. Kate has beautifully captured the power of place and how it lives on within us.