Work Weekend
Memorial Day and remembering our heroes.
Memorial Day is one of my favorite holidays. A random day
off in the middle of May is always a welcome present. In school it was a taste
of days to come, and now it acts as a rest from everyday life. Obviously
Memorial Day is also a time for us to remember the men and women who have laid
down their lives to protect the freedom we experience in this country. I want
to thank every active service member, or family to a service member. Your
sacrifice and service truly is a gift to us all. Thank You.
Work and family adventures every memorial day.
Growing up, we would load up the Queen Mary (our red Denali)
with duffels, toys, movies and work gloves, and would drive up to Coeur d’Alene
to help clean our family’s lake cabin. We have a special spot on the lake, and
my Grandparents had the foresight to buy land on the lake. They found a piece
of property and split it amongst their five family friends. We all share a
beach and a dock, and somewhere along the lines, these friends became family.
Ever since I remember Memorial Day was the day we opened up the lake houses,
cleaned the beach, cleared out trees, and got ready for the summer. Papa would
always man the burn pile on the beach. The kids would clear away weeds from the
paths we took from our houses to the beach. Mom would tackle the lake house,
clearing out spiders and eight months worth of dust, grime and slime. Dad, The
George, and Uncle Jeffie would fall dead trees. Uncle Jim was in charge of the
burn pile up by the road. We were a well-oiled working machine. At the end of
the day Aunty Val would walk around with her famous “butkis” drinks. We would
laugh cook, and enjoy each other’s company late into the night.
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| The view from the famous "Rock" at camp. It looks over lake Alturas |
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| View of the Sawtooth's from the school in Stanley, ID |
Spreading the spirit of work at my favorite place in the world.
Working over Memorial Day comes naturally to me. It’s what I
have done ever since I was a kid. So when I had the opportunity to go work and
prepare my favorite camp for the coming summer, I jumped at the chance. From
Friday to Monday I was up in the Sawtooth’s working to prepare LHBC for the
summer. Just like those weekends up at the Lake, we worked our butts off.
Appliances needed to be moved, canoes needed to be loaded onto a trailer.
Cabins needed to be scoured and rid of all the cobwebs that accumulated over
the winter. It was a lot. Dishes needed to be washed, pit toilets needed to be
cleaned, trailers moved, trees cut, chimneys put up. It is WORK—hard,
exhausting, muscle tiring, work! Each day over work weekend I walked anywhere
from 17,000 to 20,000 steps, I lifted so many items. I was basically doing
weighted walks to and from the end of camp. Amidst the work, exhaustion and
lack of coffee, I was able to reconnect with old friends, put real life on
pause and laugh and celebrate into the night, just like I had on those Lake Day
Cleanups. A group of people, from all different walks of life, came together to
accomplish a common goal. We worked together for the common good to create a
space for campers to come, learn, grow and experience God in ways that they
can’t in their daily lives. I am grateful for all the people who were able to help, and I cannot wait until next year,
when I’m able to help, reconnect and do it all again.
Here are Three Holiday Weekend Tips:
1. Take time to reconnect with family and friends this summer.
2. Don't be afraid to volunteer your time. Even though you will be tired, your soul will be relaxed and ready for whatever comes next.
For more insights, check out Graduation Musings on how to appreciate and find meaning through celebrating those that we love
Comment below your weekend plans!
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