Memories of Codorus

Although it's just a local attraction, Codorus (Lake Marburg) has always been a special place to me. Throughout my life it has served to be a part of important personal, family, friend, & work-related activities. I was married at Codorus, had Josh's 1st birthday party & many more afterwards, had countless picnics & family times there. Just so much.












The real reason that Codorus is so special to me is because of an event that DIDN'T happen when I was 13 years old. It was Memorial Day & my parents were planning our day. The choices were to go to Codorus or to have a picnic. I wanted to have the picnic AT Codorus & was trying to "sell" that idea to my parents. My dad didn't go a lot of places with us so this was a BIG DEAL!! As I ran upstairs to go look for something I could hear my parents talking to each other in the kitchen below. I could hear them discussing that it would be fun to have the picnic at Codorus. I remember being SO EXCITED that that we would all be doing something together as a family. I felt so loved. I still remember my very feelings.

My excitement was very short-lived though. All of a sudden, I heard an unfamiliar noise. My dad was going down into the basement to look for the cooler & had just fallen down our wooden basement steps. It was the first time in my life I heard my father cry. My parents went to the emergency room, & we waited (my brother & sister & I) many, many hours at home to find out what was wrong. It turned out that he had broken several ribs. Sadly during the x-rays they also discovered the cancerous tumors that ultimately took his life just 6 months later. My father never seemed to leave the basement to me. The man I knew never came back up. So each & every time I go to Codorus I think of my father & the picnic that would have been. I loved him so much. Little did I know at the time, that as the sun set at Codorus I would never return there with him again.












Codorus is a place I always take people that are special to me & my family. It's like a little unknown secret. (well, till now) They do not realize the significance of it of course, but for me, I'm building another fond memory there. A mere month ago one more memory was laid. I was hiking with Maren, Gwenda & Shelley (check out Maren's remix at the end when your done reading) , & anxiously waiting to hear "the news" that my sister would be going to the hospital to have her baby. It was a beautiful day for a hike & the company was the best. I LOVE the outdoors & HIKING! When our hike & our lunch was over we all went our separate ways. I decided to go to another part of the lake to do some scripture reading, journaling & praying. Much to my delight, as soon as I was done my cell rang with the news that my sister was in the hospital!!! Thank you Lord for allowing me to be at one of my favorite places to hear this exciting news.

Many, many hours later, Timothy James Shue was born on October 14, 2007. Even now, a month later, the very sight of him brings me to tears. (I know I look goofy in the pics, but I was crying!) I never dreamed I would have such strong feelings about him. I guess it's because it's my sister's baby, & I love my sister. I actually think we're closer now than we ever have been. My relationship with her is one of the most important in my life. I love you Amy!












Right before I got the call to go to the hospital I had taken a picture of this little acorn. TJ's my little acorn.











Now to appreciate my love for Codorus (& some of my favorite girlfriends) check out Maren's beautiful remix below. (Make sure you turn off the music at the bottom of my blog so that you can hear Maren's.) Each & every time I walk in the woods (any woods) I can feel my father with me. I love you Dad.