things i'll miss about bellingham #6-10

mount baker

6. Boulevard Park. This is one of my places to read, to enjoy a latte at The Woods, to walk, to talk to God, and to be. This is where, in the summer, I'll take a blanket and place it in on the grass near the water's edge and listen to the ocean waves lap against the rocks just feet from where I sit. This is where God and I have had some tearful conversations and where, more than any other place I know, I feel the space to breathe when I feel most hemmed in.

7. Views of Mount Baker. Though I know that God is not localized to any particular place, I've often thought of this mountain as the place where God lives. I can't see this without thinking of Him. On a clear day, I can see this mountain in my rearview mirror as I drive to work. Whenever I go there, I'm reminded of His grandeur and majesty. When I'm here, I find it impossible that people don't believe that there's a God and that He's so, so good. I'm awe-inspired, I'm humbled, and I'm thankful. When I can see the mountain, my heart is calmed.

8. My book club. Ana, Jessica, Marie, Beth, and I have been book-clubbing it together for a little over three years now. We're an odd mish-mash of people and though all incredibly different, we all just worked well together. We rarely agreed on what we read together, but I'm going to miss our monthly meetings: their presence, kindness, intelligence, and conversation.

9. My naturopath. A person who utilizes physicians as much as I do has come across her fair share of the ones who just don't care and has learned to hang on to the good ones. Dr. W is one of those people for whom I will gladly make the 100-mile drive to Bellingham. While I'm certain the Seattle area is chock full of fantastic naturopaths (due in large part to the presence of Bastyr University, I think), I have a good relationship with this one. He listens, he makes me laugh, and he knows my story. His partnership has been invaluable to my overall well-being and I can't imagine another like him.

10. My chiropractor. Dr. M has been my chiropractor for over eight years. After seeing him at least every other week for this period of time, he is another who knows my story, considers my health holistically, and (as I often joke with him) doubles as a good psychotherapist. He laughs even at my dumbest jokes and has such a tender heart. I appreciate so much how much care he displays for every person who walks through his door.