Summer on the Maine Coast

"Come, it is time to go."

I stood at the precipice of a new life.  While everyone was sharing their bucket list, there only had one thing left I really wanted to do. Just one.  I had done all the others. Gone to England, Scotland, Wales. Canada. Mexico. Switzerland and Austria.  Italy.  Germany.  Alaska. Many trips throughout the United States.  In fact, all states but Nevada and Hawaii.   Hiked and rafted some beautiful places. Now it was time to fulfill that one final wish.  At least for now.   To live near my family.  Again.  Now and forever.  It had been too long.  This fall, I would turn seventy.  Yes, it was time.

Two years ago,  I began to think of doing another family trip.  I had taken my children and their spouses/partners to Newfoundland in 2008, before the grands came along.  Now, I would do something special to celebrate my seventy years.  It would be a marker.  Mine.

I've poured over maps and travel guides, localizing the trip to the United States.  Summer was the time to do it as my grandchildren would be off school.  It would be warmer and easier for all of us to travel.  As much as I searched, there wasn't any place I wanted to be.  The choice became clear.

When one of my children relocated to this area, I spent a lot of time looking for an area close that would resonate with me.  The house had to be perfect.  Smaller.  One floor. One step.  Close to everything but near a wooded area. Close to the beach.  Close to Whole Foods.  A coffee shop.  City.

An open house, cathedral ceilings, radiant wood floors, two or three bedrooms, two baths would fit this nicely.  Then I had a dream.  A name kept coming into my head during my dreams.

The realtor suggested we try one more place.  As we drove up to the dead end road, there it was. The name on the street sign was the name in my dream!

My bungalow.  Almost instantly, I had found my Maine home.  Trash and mail at the door. Again.  But I wasn't really in the suburbs.  I was at the outskirts of a city.  Open spaces, city, burbs.  How did I manage that?

Well, I didn't.  I sure didn't have much to do with that divine calling.  I am merely the very happy participant.

My summer on the Maine coast is just around the corner.  And in my daily life. I'll be home. Soon.