As fun as it is to travel to new and exotic locations, my favorite place in the world will always be home.
Home, to me, is the Maumee River and the parks and wooded areas along its banks.
To some locals, the river is just a dangerous, muddy place.
To me, it’s a beautiful landscape that evokes images of my childhood and my family whenever I think of it.
When I was a child, my family and I would cross the river when it was low and explore the islands. Every time, we’d find pieces of old pottery, arrowheads and animal footprints.
I learned to skip rocks, fish and paddle a canoe in the river.
I was happiest out there in the woods and on the islands, and I still am.
I make an effort to visit my favorite spot whenever I can.
Having your own little corner of the world allows you to reflect on your past, embrace your present and look forward to the future.
No matter what location you call home, there has to be some special, hidden place nearby that you can escape to.
A place where you can relax after having a
bad day.
A place you can take a friend to get away from the stresses of everyday life.
A place you can visit to remind yourself of who you are and who you want to be.
If you don’t already have one, I urge you to find such a spot and make it your own.
Use it to heal, to think and to celebrate.
Having your own piece of the map comforts you, just like family and friends, but also offers solitude when you need it most.
With the fall semester right around the corner, I plan on spending time by the river to clear my head and think positively.
And when things get hectic as I juggle work, school and relationships, you can bet I will escape to the river to recharge.
There’s no where else I’d rather be.
Respond to Emily at
