Just like that, it’s September! August flew by so quickly. As Erik and I were travelling to buy groceries, I mentioned that it was incredible that a whole summer went by and we didn’t even put our toes in the water. We saw many bodies of water but nothing that spoke to us and welcomed us in. New York State did have a mighty hot, humid summer and that drove lake temperatures so high that the blue green algae was blooming.

On Tuesday, we had a youth conference in our area that were staying at the Seneca Lake Camp. They were from Barrie, Ontario Stake. When I was fourteen years old I moved into the Barrie, Ontario area as my dad was posted (military) to Camp Borden which is just 18 kilometers from Barrie. I became friends with another young lady who was in the same grade as me. Our families attended the Barrie Branch. After a year of attending school on the base, I wasn’t interested in attending again. My dad helped me make arrangements to move west to Sardis, B.C. and live with his mother and his sister. A year earlier, my grandma could see the writing on the wall, so to say, and told me that if I ever needed a place to stay, I could let her know and she would take me in. Our family situation was strained because of my mom’s mental illness. Being the oldest child, I felt the onus to take on the responsibility of helping in the home with my three younger sisters and household chores. It was a struggle over the years and I wasn’t happy with schooling because I wasn’t being challenged enough. It all came to a head when I was turning fifteen and was ready to run; where, I don’t know but I had had enough of the pressure. It was truly a sad situation because Bipolar Disorder was not properly diagnosed and treated with much success until the late 1970’s. Our lives were rounds of watching our dear mother sink and rise. At age fifteen, I flew the coop and went west, leaving behind my family but finding a savior in my grandma. She relieved the pressure and helped me to be a better person.

After a year, my parents wanted me to come home and I agreed on the condition that I could go to school in Barrie instead of on the base. They made arrangements with the Addy family so that I could live with them until my dad could buy a little car for me to commute. Shirley and Bob Addy have six children and they lived in a beautiful heritage home in Barrie. I was put in Suzanne’s room with her and we went to seminary together and to school. The school was good for me, as they had a big theater and put on big productions every year. That year, 1979-80, we put on “Guys & Dolls”. I was over the moon with the opportunity to help design and paint sets for the musical. I even became part of the stage crew and was THE curtain girl, drawing and closing the huge stage curtains. I loved the kindness shown to me by the Addy family and it also helped me form myself into a better person. Shirley ran a tight ship and we all were assigned chores. She came in to the kitchen one night when I was doing dishes and was shocked that the blender carafe came apart. They had been using it without unscrewing the base and cleaning the rubber gasket. She was really happy to know about that!

Shirley and I have kept in touch over the years by exchanging Christmas cards and letters. I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. They have been faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and were great in the service to the church and community.

When I told the youth from the Youth Stake Conference that I was in fact, Canadian and had lived in Barrie one time, they were very surprised. I told them about living with the Addy family and one of the leaders told me that Lynda Addy was one of their camp cooks. So, in “Cheryl” fashion, I told Erik that we were going to Seneca Lake Camp immediately after our shift. We went home, changed clothing, ate lunch and hit the road. It was about a 45 minute drive. We were greeted by Elder Dixon who is serving at the camp for 18 months with his wife. They are from Washington State. He immediately grabbed a golf cart and asked to give us a tour of the camp which we were very happy to do. The camp is on 200 acres of land and has many amenities and specialized areas. The senior missionaries who serve there, bring their own RV and have full services at their sites. When we arrived at the camp kitchen, I walked in and spottted Lynda right away. She hasn’t hardly changed at all. On the other hand, she didn’t recognize me, haha! Linda is number three in the Addy family. I always remember her as very smart, serious but easy to get along with. She filled me in on where all her siblings are at and as we got caught up, I was feeling so full of joy to have this connection despite it being 45 years since I saw her. I have stayed in touch with Suzanne over the years and learned that she needs extra prayers and ministering right now.

We finally received some photos of our newest princess after a reminder to my son. She is such a sweet pea! We will watch her change quickly over the next year. Big brother looks like he is having a good time and really enjoying time with his dad as momma looks after his sister.

It’s week three of my AIP program (Auto Immune Protocol). Everything is going really well and I have been pleasantly surprised by my ease into the program and not having any detoxing symptoms. Carry, on, carry on, carry on!! Are you singing it?

With the Barrie Stake Youth, they finished up our season of big groups. Temple life will settle into a quiet time for months. The six month temple missionaries only have two months left of their missions. We have made some incredible friends with other temple workers. I can honestly say how much I love them.

One of our friends and her husband invited us and the Stevens to go sailing with them. They have a 30 foot sailboat and the Fazios are ardent sailors. We each brought snacks to share on board. Christine met us at the Seneca Yacht Club and we headed to the boat to meet Gennaro, her husband. It was a sunset cruise and we sailed for three hours. Seneca Lake is one of the finger lakes and is 618 feet deep (180 m) in the center and is 38 miles long (61 kms). The width averages nearly 5 kms wide.

The sky was blue with clouds scudding to the south. We sailed south for 1-1/2 hours and had snacks along the way with the Fazio’s pointing out scenic buildings and points of interest. The wind had picked up and was starting to white cap. Gennaro said that it was time to head back so we needed to batten down the hatches and get ready for the tack back. Meanwhile he asked Erik if he wanted to man the helm. Erik agreed and Mark was wondering if this was such a good idea. I think that we did get to a 30 degree angle on the boat and I was bracing my feet which was difficult when you are as short as I am. Gennaro did want us to experience the opportunity and he put up both the main sail and the jib. It was hilarious and we received instruction on when to tack and everyone was scrambling. One time it looked like a game of Twister as we were trying to get everything done.

It was an absolutely beautiful evening full of laughter as we got to know each other better. The food was good, the sky was perfect, and the company was the best! The wind started dying down after the sunset, and we lowered the sails as Gennaro turned on the engine to get us to the pier and moored. He was spending the night on the boat because there was a regatta in the morning. We would definitely love to do that again!

So from very old friends to new friends, it was a great week. Elder Dixon was prepping us hard to consider a mission at the camp. To start, you need an RV, which we don’t have. We are open to the possibilities of whatever the Lord puts in our path.

This is so true. I have watched this in action throughout my life and the lives of others. Friendships can be revolutionary and help the world to be a much better place that can be full of love and happiness, peace and warmth. Choose wisely and you will be blessed. You will also be a blessing to others when you act in charity and kindness.

Have a fantastic week as kids & grandkids go back to school or off to university. Be well and may you all have the smoothest sailing possible with Jesus Christ at the helm of your boat.