STOLEN MOMENTS

By: Mary N.
Syracuse, NY

STOLEN MOMENTS
By Mary J. Nowyj


A semi-full moon with an aura surrounding it illuminated the night sky. Iridescent stars could be seen, as clouds floated past the firmament. Mellow music could be heard coming from the inner sanctum of a posh decorated cherry-odor room. I sat on my veranda, sipping a glass of champagne as I toasted to my changed life.
“A bit of luxury to help heal the still wounded heart,” I thought. I had finally returned to where I experienced “stolen moments,” with my husband, whom I was married to for over three decades. Those were happy memories of great times spent on weekend excursions to the Mirror Lake Inn where we re-connected as a couple after our busy lives had separated us with family and business responsibilities.
After settling in our room, we would venture over to the Cottage restaurant for a bite to eat and sat at a table next to a window that overlooked the placid, Mirror Lake. While holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes, we would discuss our plans for the upcoming weekend. We could walk to town, lingering awhile as we absorbed the fresh mountain air and visual splendors of the looming landscape. Hiking or rock climbing was always first on the agenda for outdoor activities as we made our list. Then, the possibility of swimming or rowing was next on our list of things to do. After our return to the sanctuary of our room a bit of rest was needed to restore our strength. Finally, once refreshed, a nice quiet dinner in the dining room overlooking the lake created a serene evening setting before our sunset walk. It was very romantic time period for us both and what we called, “marriage enrichment.”
Much time had elapsed since my husband died and this was my first time back to our romantic get-a-way spot. As much as I wanted to return, I had not fully entertained going alone without him beside me. The Mirror lake Inn held too many memories of enchanting times, so, it was an intuitive, instant decision to re-visit the Inn on that chilly late fall day. As I drove alone through the precipitous area, I felt like I was entering serendipitously into a wondrous adventure. The winding road with the mountains on the horizon captivated me and revived the wonderful memories of times past. I felt invigorated. I felt consoled. I felt like I was arriving home.
When I entered the Mirror Lake Inn portal, I knew I had come home to a place of comfort and familiarity. I wondered why it had taken me so long to return. Maybe, it was because of those wonderful times spent at the Inn and I just didn’t want to feel sad that I didn’t have my life partner along with me. After walking up the red-carpeted staircase, I approached the front desk. I felt a sense of gratitude as a very friendly staff reached out to welcome me. Their smiles eased my healing heart.
The familiar plate of warm chocolate chip cookies was placed in front of me as an extra greeting. It was a wonderful reminder of the past and how many wonderful, happy memories we had created as a couple. I even remembered the extra bag of cookies for our ride home, too. We weren’t too far out of town before we devoured them. Yes, coming to the Mirror Lake Inn was like coming home to a plethora of fondest memories that refreshed my soul and gave me peace.
The Mirror Lake Inn was our home away from home. We had the greatest of times that a couple could ever share. Midnight walks around the lake, a circular staircase leading to a loft bedroom, warm cozy fireplaces for evening chats and music were just a few. I remembered the tall fir trees surrounding the Inn that made me feel cradled in the arms of nature as one of the fondest memories. Other memories included relaxing on the beach and then returning for afternoon tea as we sat on the veranda overlooking the lake. We truly enjoyed relaxing at the Inn. It was a home away from home.
One cold winter just before Christmas, we had an especially wonderful time. The lights on the lake and in the village heralded the oncoming holiday season and we had fun shopping at the local stores. The decorations at the Inn were exquisite and joyful, like a children’s wonderland. Visiting the Inn at that time made the upcoming winter season magical. Somehow, the scenic snow-covered landscape seemed inviting for fun and frolic.
When we returned home from our weekend excursion, we had heard the Inn had a fire that destroyed much of the main building. We felt devastated that our little retreat place had been damaged. We had grown so fond of the Inn. Yet, fate had something else in mind and that spring, re-building plans took place. When we finally returned to the Inn once again that late fall, the ambiance and charm had increased its’ home-like appeal.
I believe fate guided me in returning to the Mirror Lake Inn after a long hiatus. Fate helped to heal a wounded heart that had longed to return to this place of wonderful memories. I felt like I was home once more. The memories of being with my husband in such an idyllic setting encompasses years of past experiences and for that, I am grateful to have taken the opportunity to build those memories. In those memories, my husband is still with me. They truly were our “stolen moments.”
As I drove away from the Inn that day, I knew then that I would return again for another trip down memory lane. I carefully reached over for the bag of chocolate chip cookies given to me when I checked out. “How sweet life can be,” I thought, fondly.