Her favorite brass bed had been taken down from the loft there at the “cabin” and placed by the picture window for her comfort—if that was possible. An antique end stand I am sure she found in a farm auction in southern Michigan or a thrift store in Petoskey was strategically placed—“junk hunting” was one of her most enjoyed pastimes. This “symbol” of one of her small pleasures was covered with a white linen cloth and many pill bottles—surely more bottles than any one person should have to tend. There were other items strewn about as well, such as a book on inspiration, “get well” wishes in a multitude of cards and carefully written notes, and a small red clock which seemed so out of place because it did not know that time had stopped for her and for all of us.
This was to be her last place of rest so she could look out through the large picture window, west down Lake Michigan to the Bridge, that priceless view that we all love but took for granted when we were growing up. She had the courage to give the memory back to us and allow herself to be placed there where we could once again appreciate even the smallest of joys—such as watching the white cap waves lap up on the rocky shore and the cars cross the Bridge on a sparkling summer day.
Excerpts: Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 12
Book One in the Gift Series. Author: Patricia L. Brooks. ISBN 1420818759.
Patricia donates a portion of the proceeds of this book to the Vital Care Hospice of the Straits serving Mackinac County, Michigan, in memory of her sister.