Lake Anna

Rick loved to sit on the porch with his grandkids, family, and friends and reminisce.

Trail to lake.

The family bed!

Path to cemetery.

Cemetery at back of property.

Artifacts found on their property.

Rick wanted his grandkids to be happy at all times!

Site of epic sock battles!

The lake was so peaceful.

Rick loved his gnomes!

On Sunday we drove to Lake Anna to visit with my mother-in-law, MaryEllen. Initially I was excited to escape my hectic house for a few days. But, as we drove over the first bridge that goes over the lake, I suddenly felt a sharp pain in my stomach. I became sad instantly and could not hold back my tears. It had been over two months since I had been to Lake Anna. The grief I felt as we got closer to the lake house was overwhelming. It was gray and dismal outside. The sunny and happy place that my family loves so much felt surprisingly upsetting. As we pulled into the neighborhood, all I could feel and see was Rick. I realized that I was living the chaos of my everyday life and putting his death at the back of my mind. I never, for one day, forgot about his death. I was just rolling through the motions of having three kids. Thankfully, they keep me very distracted. I say that very lovingly because although they can drive me nuts, they allow me not to wallow in my grief.

I decided to take a few photos of the place my father-in-law loved so much. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoy having this amazing place to visit.