I took my parents to the Lucia S. Nash Nature Preserve today. We wanted to crunch our way through the fallen leaves… to bask in the golden sunlight filtered through the thinning fall foliage… and to feel the wind on our faces, blown across the surface of Snow Lake. So we did. And it was glorious. Especially with my Dad’s Parkinson’s Disease and my Mom’s Multiple Sclerosis, it felt like a gift to enjoy a nearly perfect afternoon together at Snow Lake.

I’ve been wanting to take this trip ever since I noticed the site had handicapped parking and a relatively flat, smooth trail surface for what one might call “roller-hiking.” It just seemed like it would be special to share a place that I love with people that I love. Especially during the fall season. So, I’ve been following the progression of the fall foliage and the weather forecasts for a couple of weeks… And today, all the stars aligned with an open spot in my schedule.

The drive through northern Portage County and southern Geauga County was lovely. We pointed out particularly beautiful examples of the fall foliage, along the way. And then, when we got to the nature preserve, it turned out we had the place to ourselves! It was a little harder than I expected it would be to push the wheelchair through the gravel, in spots. Otherwise, though, I can’t imagine how things could have worked out any better.

Afternoons like this are a precious commodity, with winter coming soon. Even with temperatures in the 60s, my parents struggled to stay warm without the benefit of cardio-vascular exertion. It really won’t be long before the Snow Lake area will be covered with actual snow, and ice.

So, I’m just thankful for my parents. I’m thankful for the natural beauty of God’s Creation. And I’m thankful for a lovely autumn afternoon that we got to spend together watching sand hill cranes across the waters of Snow Lake.