Hawley, PA: Memories of Grandpa's Pond

I grew up on an old farm in Pike County, PA. Only ten minutes from the small town of Hawley, this 23 acre spread was taken for granted by me for so many years. As a youngster, I really did not appreciate its value; I only knew that I was isolated and alone - being an only child (for all intents and purposes; my brothers did not live with me) with no neighbor kids my age...I remember feeling bored and lonely at times.

Oh! How I wish I could go back! I miss listening to the bullfrogs in the pond - their robust chorus filling the night; by dawn they had settled down and made only occasional gulping sounds. I miss running barefoot through the fields, I miss the smell of spring in the air - nothing can compare to that damp, clean, earthy smell that comes alive with the first warm days of April.

I used to sit by the pond for hours, fishing. Wishing I were with a friend, or someplace exciting. The muskrats swimming across the water, the ground hog running for cover, the turtles and fish coming to the surface - all of these things were taken for granted. The pond would always be there for me! I imagined building a house in the woods, overlooking the pond some day.

The best laid plans of mice and men, huh?

The last summer I spent on that pond was in 2004, with my kids. I'm so glad my husband and I got to do that - we set up the tent (the children were upset that we were so far from Grandpa's house...I was thrilled to be almost in the wilderness. ha ha) and just enjoyed camping there.

I made a crude page HERE, attempting to make a blog of sorts but it didn't work out...I didn't understand blogging at that point. The pictures are pretty cool though, in case you're interested...there's also some more of my rambling commentary.

Then, my dad died unexpectedly. My cousin and I were joint heirs in the property, and neither one of us could afford to buy the other out, so we had no choice but to sell. I sold it on my own, successful FSBO... but I didn't feel very triumphant or excited. (though it did help push me toward becoming an agent!)

It was painful.

It's not Grandpa's Pond anymore. It's someone else's.

I don't live too far away - only about ten minutes from the place, right near Lake Wallenpaupack. One day I drove down to see what was going on, and dad's house was gone...(I knew it would be torn down, as it was only a mobile home anyway..) but so was the dilapitated old farm house where my first years were spent.

At least I still have my memories. I still live in Pike County, I still love it here, and it's still a great place to raise your kids. Pike County is the jewel of the Poconos, in my opinion. The Wallenpaupack Area School District - my alma mater - is wonderful. I just wish I could be at Grandpa's.

Hawley PA, Memories of Grandpa's Pond, ©Copyright 2007 by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.