Last Thursday afternoon I skipped out of work two hours early with Mandy and Amiliah and drove up to LBC for the first Salmon Bake of the season. What a perfect way to spend the summer solstice. We parked in Mukilteo and walked onto the ferry...it was a beautiful day and not too cold to stand out on deck for the ride. It was so fun to see so many people who have known and loved me since childhood at the 50+ camp.
When I was about fifteen I had several friends with whom I would daydream about one day being campers together at the 50+ camp. I would say it's still a very real ambition...I imagine myself on the deck of the dining hall with all of my buddies, soaking up the sun, telling old camp stories, and laughing our heads off. I can imagine that we will not be able to believe how much time has passed, although our bodies will remind us every day.
Here is my great-uncle Bob (waving) with my great-aunt Edie (so many people call her "Aunt Edie," but she really is my aunt) and my cousin Ruth looking off to the lake. Ever since Thursday and through church today I have really been pondering how wonderful it is to have such a heritage of people who love the Lord and how important family and true friendships are. I really believe that the friends I've made at LBC are the best I could ever hope for...there's something about that place that cements a relationship more quickly, more deeply, and more permanently than anywhere else I can think of. It kills me that I can't be up there for any length of time this summer past a day or two. It's more like home to me than anywhere else.
Doesn't it just look like so much fun?! I can't wait to be 75 years old, walking up the hill in my swimsuit and sneakers, pounding the grilled cheese and tomato soup, and going for rides in the speedboat at free time. 
8 comments:
I want to be one of those cemented friends Erin! Those pictures make elderly look exciting! (I'll have to wait a couple years before I can join you at the 50+ though)
on the other hand, i'll be there before either of you! but i'll be waiting for you to get there. getting teary over here erin (not unusual these last weeks). a glimpse of heaven...speed boat rides, laughter, swimming, grilled cheese. miss you. :)
what sweet words, you brought tears to my eyes too. i don't know what my life would be without lbc and you can count on seeing me at the 50+ as well! (and maybe at another salmon bake later this summer)
i imagine that in our old age we may even re.live those nights when people accidently run into wood posts, or experience the results of someone crazy enough to throw a ball against a certain hanson's cabin area! :) GREAT MEMORIES, MY DEAR! You are right about LBC it is pretty amazing in that way. Lucky for you, you still look younger than you are. I already can pass for the 50+ range. I'll be there with deena waiting with much expectation for the ekh to arrive in all her glory! love ya!
oh... Erin, thanks for writing about this-your words capture the glory of lakeside. the post and all these comments make me so happy. I'll be there too.
looks like we're well on our way to filling up the 50+ camp...i can't wait! i wonder if a waiting list is in order?!?! erin, you are so right about lbc (and you wrote about it so beautifully). what a blessing! deena, i couldn't agree with you more - lbc is a slice of heaven on earth!
WELL, I CERTAINLY QUALIFY FOR THIS CAMP NOW. I MET THE MAN I'VE LOVED FOR 44 YEARS THERE. AND, I FELL COMPLETELY, ABSOLUTELY, TRULY, FOREVER IN LOVE WITH JESUS THERE TOO. WHAT COULD BE FINER THAN TO BE LOVED BY THOSE TWO!
So many comments from so many dear friends!! I can't WAIT until we're all there together...
Bridg & Lu...our age difference matters so little now, imagine how insignificant it will be then! (We'll try to save all the REALLY fun stuff for when we're all eligible)
Deena & Rich - amen, Disco Daisy and Duct Tape Man!! Heaven indeed. I can't wait to party with you guys elderly style. We will be the best-looking 50+ camp in history. Haha.
Jamie...I sure hope I'll see you at a Salmon Bake later this year(and many Salmon Bakes before it's time for 50+)!!
Anne SIMMONS?! Heck yes, you'd better be there too.
And Jan...amen and amen. If only we could bottle the Lakeside love...we'd all be millionaires!! ;) Also, I think you're still much too young to join the current crop of campers. Just wait another 15-20 years and you can join us kids (oh YIKES, that's so scary...and totally true.)
Love you all so much.
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