It was 12 years ago, and we felt lingering jet lag from a long international flight. Arriving home, the high stack of unopened mail had a current hometown paper on top of the pile. Feeling groggy, my eyes fell to the real estate page advertisements. "3 BR furnished cabin with lake sandy beach …" in Aitkin County. The cabin was on a familiar lake. I had childhood memories, and family members still lived on the opposite shore from this cabin.

We called the real estate agent early the next morning and arranged to meet him. We arrived at a nondescript small cabin on a small property close to the road. The Realtor was waiting. We entered, pulling up the shades in the porch dining room at the far end. We caught our breaths when we saw the beautiful view of the lake. Returning home, we called with an offer to buy. Two days later this seasonal cabin was ours.

We boat across the lake to visit extended family members. We have memorable meals shared at the big, old farm kitchen table. We are joined by family, friends and international guests. And everyone enjoys the view seen through the three-sided span of windows. Our cabin provides peace, serenity and a vital sense of belonging that feeds my soul.

shirley lake barber, roseville