October 30, 2007

October 30, 2007 marked the 6 year anniversary of cancer surgery for our dear friend and neighbor, Mr. Bryson. To celebrate this anniversary of God’s great grace and mercy, we were invited to travel with the family on a color tour of part of Michigan’s thumb. The trip was to eventually terminate at Country View Store, a favorite of our families. Along the round-about-way we took to get there, we stopped at the lovely Forrester Park for lunch.

What a perfectly beautiful day the Lord gave us! The sun shone brightly most of the day, and the sky was a splendid blue with a few pure white clouds. The weather was sufficiently cool to allow for a comfy cardigan despite the warmth of the sun. A perfect Autumn day. What a blessing!

Although at first we were a tad disappointed with the colors, (or the lack there-of) but a few dazzling trees were still sufficiently be-decked to elicit our admiring “oohs and aahs.” What lovely colors! Isn’t it a wonderful thing that the Creator chose such a beautiful way for trees to ready themselves for winter!

The boys had a grand time!

Our joy was unbounded when we finally caught a glimpse of the Lake. How blue the water looked! It was wonderful to finally reach the Park and be able to get out and stretch! After an initial frustration in regards to finding some very necessary facilities, (do you have any idea what it is like to drive 2 ½ hours and then find the bathrooms to be closed!?) we got out the picnic baskets and coolers found a picnic table and had lunch.

We just couldn’t stay away from the water, so most of us ended up eating our lunch on the short board-walk that over looked the beach. What an amazing view!!

The perpetually rolling waves breaking on the huge boulder sized rocks that projected out into the water, the long sandy beach, sprinkled with colorful Autumn leaves, and the incredible sky and water, echoing each other in blues and whites, until they blended into one along the horizon.

The huge boulders and remnants of an antique pier were forms of great entertainment for those of us who enjoyed "rock hopping,"

and much time was spent combing the beach to find "pretty" rocks,

and thin stones, smooth as paper which were "just the thing" for the boys who were trying their hand at skipping.

*smile*

Tiny Seashells were used to make quaint monograms in the sand,

and larger rocks were gathered and arranged to remind us of our true Rock!

A picture of all us young'uns :-)

The little Park afforded us much entertainment as well.

A couple of old merry-go-rounds,

(for the stout of heart and stomach:-)

good old-fashioned teeter-totters, and a row of antiqued looking metal horse swings were enjoyed by most of us children (and adults :-).

The latter being somewhat uncomfortable, but still providing a great form of amusement to those who “rode” and those who watched.

All too soon, it was time to go, and we all got back into the vehicles and continued on our way.

We are so thankful to the Lord for the beautiful day of fun and fellowship that He blessed us with, and even more thankful for His sparing Mr. Bryson’s life six years ago.

We pray that God will richly bless you and your family, Mr. B, in this year and for many years to come. Thank you for including us in your special day!

To God be the glory!

~ FAS