This is a second marriage for both my husband and me. I had the good fortune of having a family cabin in my early years, but my husband had never had a cabin experience. My dream has always been to retire on a lake, but the problem was my husband was not convinced.

I  set out on a mission to have him fall in love with the idea. Five years ago, we rented a beautiful summer home on Middle Cullen Lake near Nisswa. We had access to a pontoon and cruised the lake at sunrise and sunset. The beauty and tranquility during those magical hours was captivating, and over time he began to warm to the idea. The next summer, we rented a lovely place on the Upper White Fish Chain. There were scattered islands and endless miles of open water to explore. We had campfires and ate s'mores, lounged in hammocks and read books, and gazed out at shooting stars. That experience clinched the deal for my husband. He was officially onboard.

The next summer, we began our search for the perfect lake. We discovered that the most pristine waters are in the north-centralpart of the state, and we honed in on that area. In October 2014, we closed on a beautiful property near Nisswa. The only problem was the existing cabin was uninhabitable and would need to be torn down. I explained to my family that we could pitch a tent or stay at a nearby hoteluntil we were ready to build. They all wanted to see it, so we made a trip Up North. They disagreed with my assessment and persuaded me that with a few minor improvements, we could inhabit the old place for at least a few summers. They began making a list of things that needed doing, and pitched in. We painted, dealt with the stinky well water, and changed out an old porcelain sink and ugly, blue shag carpeting. Before long, the old place actually looked cozy. We stayed overnight for the first time during the weekend of July 4th. Our brand new pontoon was delivered July 3 and we went out for our first tubing extravaganza that same day. Soren, our oldest grandchild, said, 'This is the best day of my life!' I looked over at my husband and he nodded and smiled. He finally got it.

On July 12, 2015, a once-in-a-lifetime storm devastated hundreds of properties. Downed trees and power lines were everywhere. A neighbor called to say our pontoon was upside-down in the water.

We contemplated selling the property after that trauma — but it was too late. I came to realize that my heart is already firmly attached and when I turn into the driveway after a marathon ride from the metro, a mystical calmness comes over me. Beauty is everywhere — the lake, the intoxicating smell of cedar, the constant rustling of pine trees, and the laughter of small children loving every minute of their time Up North. It's my dream. It's all here.

LuAnn Mickelson, Minnetrista