Sometimes you just want to count the blessings.

This weekend , my dear friend Karen came up for a visit. We’ve known each other since 1986, before my first child was born. In the next 5 years as Nika was joined by Hunter and Ariella and Samsun: she delightedly met each new baby.

With her infectious joy, she soon became THE special person in my children’s lives: celebrating Christmas Eve

and summer visits with us,

along with numerous times in between. She loved them. They adored her.

And life unfolded. She and I have seen each other through so much: my ups and downs. Her ups and downs. Really good times and truly difficult.

And here she was – visiting me once again!

This time, she was witnessing me as I journey through the travails of Lyme disease. But when put in the perspective of the wide landscape of my life, it’s not so terrible. Now that it’s been diagnosed and I have faith in my treatment, it’s a matter of “no fun” healing.

I don’t have my children here with me this summer. But while Karen was here, she could meet and feel all the love and support I have: caring people I’ve mentioned before – dear Jan, and, of course, her son, Jonathan. And others that know me less well, but are part of the community I’ve slowly found here in NH.

That’s one noteworthy aspect of NH. Nowhere else I’ve lived have I felt so looked after. From the people who do all the upkeep needed for my car (I know so much about their family) a 1/2 mile away, to Charlotte that I see walking day in and day out with her pup Pemi, to the people at the Inn and the post office, my neighbors – such kindness.

After Karen came on Friday, she slept in on Saturday. Then fell asleep again on Saturday afternoon. She slept. And slept. When my Lyme is healed, I also will find that peace. But I live in a place where it’s so soothing that people can totally relax.

Not to mention, it’s summer. That short sweet moment in time when the lake is not only beautiful to look at but to put your feet in. Float around. Languish in the still warm air.

While Karen was here, we took a moment to contact Ariella – pregnant! – in Algeria. And Samsun and Amanda and Misha – the little one is up and walking! in Toronto. And Hunter, midst her busy life with Lynn and young Artemis, who can’t wait to visit again.

I hope to feel ALL BETTER next summer when they (many family members) come and spend time:

in and out of the water,

then sleeping soundly,

relaxing together,

while also finding a moment to see Jan and Jonathon and those that are part of my warm community here.

“People I love so much.

in a place I love so much.”

-Peaches