Eagle River Until Later
A few minutes after ten o’clock yesterday we left Eagle River. The familiar driveway through the woods, ice and snow covered, leads us to Zeeman Road. A late heavy snow makes this four wheel drive country, in mid March, the day before spring.
I left with a sadness, and the satisfaction of memories of the time spent with Aunt Clara, David and Shari. Aunt Clara is likely the oldest member of our family. She is 90 years old. She is also quite ill, as liver cancer is taking it’s toll. We many not see her again. If we do, it is certain that she will not possess the well being to enjoy conversation, to play games, and to watch television with us. She will be greatly missed, for as long as we live.
As we prepared to depart David, her son, asked me if we would be returning to Eagle River to visit. I know that he was thinking of the months and years to come. I said, “yes, we’d like to spend several weeks, maybe a month, in winter time in Eagle River. ”
These thoughts filled my mind as I drove slowly toward Zeeman road. Suddenly quite close to the front of the vehicle, a flock of wild turkeys appeared, quickly, at double-time, crossing the road and up the steep snow bank into the woods. I felt peace. The wild things of this place, especially at this time of year, send their wordless message.
All is well.
