The Healing Hand of Nature

For the past fifteen years, my parents Peter and Virginia Rana spent their summers in Casco, Maine, choosing to stay out of the hustle and bustle of life on the East End. This year, my mom, who continues to astonish me with courage, grace and determination, is spending the summer in Casco solo. Most of you know that my amazing father passed away last December and, all of you that have lost a close loved one know that it takes a long time to come to terms with such a loss. In fact, I don't think you really "come to terms" with it; instead, you find a place in your heart and mind to live with the new reality. It doesn’t happen overnight – not for most people – and I think the first year of firsts is the hardest: first birthday, first Christmas, first Thanksgiving, first Anniversary, etc.…. One of my family’s firsts this year was the first summer visiting, or for my mom living, in Casco without my father. For me, it has been the biggest challenge thus far, probably because it is the place I feel closest to him. My mom tells me the same.

My father loved nature. He would sit outside on the deck for hours watching the hummingbirds visit the feeder, the dragonflies skim over Parker Pond, the bass breach the water, and the loons call to each other. I inherited my love of nature from my dad. The look and feel of the pond change every day, sometimes several times a day, and it continually entertains me.

This summer, I have visited Maine several times and will continue to do so into the fall. For one thing, I want to spend time with my mother and be there to help her through what is a tough transition. However, the biggest draw for me is being in a place that feels like a big hug from my dad. It is a place that helps me find my center and my peace with missing him. I still have a long way to go, but nature is a healing force for me. As is hiking. This past trip I completed the eastern half of the Grafton Loop Trail in Newry, Maine. Western Maine hiking is breathtaking and extremely challenging. Its rewards are a treasure. I took Leo with me, his first overnight venture into the woods, and he did fantastically. Here is a link to my YouTube video of the hike. Hope you enjoy. And please get outside and enjoy a spot of nature. Whether it is a visit to the nature trail in East Hampton Village, a walk on the beach, or taking in the sunset over Three Mile Harbor - whatever it is - give nature a chance to cure what ails you. It can't hurt.

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