For the Love of Lighthouses

My family & friends frequently tease me about my love (er...obsession perhaps...) of Lighthouses. Yet, fellow admirers of Lighthouses will agree with me that these majestic structures provide an inspiration and tales of their colorful histories abound.  Also, it never ceases to amaze me that no two lighthouses are alike and they are as varied as the shorelines they beautify.

 I believe Lighthouses have evolved from their historical roots as a guide to ships in turbulent waters and rugged, dangerous coastlines to landmarks of great historical significance and beauty. Not only do they serve to guide ships, but they have an air of spirituality about them to guide troubled souls in a world of darkness.  Their beacons shine in such a way that they provide an inspiration to all who view them.  How can one look upon a majestic lighthouse perched on a cliff or at the far end of a pier and not help but smile at its beauty.

            Living in the mid-west, I feel honored that we have the greatest concentration of lighthouses anywhere in the world. By virtue of the five great lakes, that provide hundreds of miles of coastline that need lighthouses to provide safe navigation.  In recent years, many of the lighthouses have not continued to operate and function as navigating tools, with the advent of more technologically advanced methods replacing them.  Yet, since many are steeped in history and tradition, there are efforts to restore and maintain them.

Picture of a Childhood Memory

     I suddenly felt so hollow, so empty inside as I gazed upon the abandoned house. Weeds had grown up almost 2 feet high in what was once a welcoming front yard.  The front sidewalk and driveway were completey missing except for maybe a few crumbling pieces of concrete amongst the weeds.

Most of the windows were boarded over and the windows that were left had several panes broken out letting the country air into an empty bedroom.  No curtains were hung in the windows, just blackness in stark contrast to the summer sun. Seeing my friend Kelly's old house, that was obviously abandoned, brought a flood of memories back.  The tears welled up and I could not help but let them run down my cheeks. I wiped them away quickly with the back of my hand. I was so shocked  that this was the house I had several "sleep-overs" with my friend Kelly in.  I remember sitting upstairs in her bedroom, listening to records-mostly the Carpenters and the Beach Boys.  We would sit and talk  about boys, listen to music, do our nails and wile away the hours.  Looking at it now, her house made me feel so incredibly old.  How could it look like this when my memories of these events seem like they just happened last summer, when the reality is closer to 40 years ago. Sometimes the reality of change is hard to cope with, yet I am a strong believer in the fact that everyone should have the comfort of childhood memories to cherish. These memories provide a shelter, a security blanket, that not only defines who we are today, but allows us to cope with today's struggles.  Certain memories help us to keep things in perspective.
     It has been said "You can never go Home again...." and perhaps that is true.