It was just a dirt pull off from the highway, then an easy walk through the woods. An old log got us across a stream to reach the pond fed by a waterfall. Only those who lived in our area knew about it, and we brought our little ones to play in the shallow water.

Monarch butterflies covered the water on spring mornings as mothers watched the delight of their children. Twenty-five years later I returned with my grandson to see a big sign telling people that it was there. A paved parking area and a cleared path leading to a real bridge gave everyone access to the hidden pond. It was now part of the world he lived in as he skipped stones across the water before venturing in to find the wonder of the pond. And grandma smiled knowing there was always a place for every generation. And no matter how the future changes things, the smiles of children will remain the same throughout all times.

Patty Atkins, Cashiers, a member of Haywood EMC