Growing up, I never knew life any other way than as part of a large, bustling community. I was one of eight children, and my mother was one of 10. Between siblings, cousins, neighborhood friends and a Catholic parish centered around our church and school just two blocks away, life was always shared. Occasional squabbles were quickly forgotten amid the adventures of childhood.

Everything changed when my father purchased a small cottage on Higgins Lake in the 1950s. Summers became something magical. We spent nearly every day swimming, boating and building friendships that would last a lifetime. Four boys lived next door, including the eldest, whom I would eventually marry and raise two children with. July brought celebrations, fireworks and a sense of freedom that seemed endless beneath the northern Michigan sun.

As I write this letter, I’m sitting at that very same lake. Over the years, the cottage has grown along with our family. After my mother’s passing, I purchased it in 2013 and completed renovations to ensure future generations could continue creating memories there.

One of the greatest joys of preserving the cottage has been seeing it continue to bring our family together. Last summer, more than 40 extended family members gathered there for a reunion, filling the lakefront with laughter, stories and several generations creating memories side by side.

One of my fondest memories is spending time alone at the cottage after high school graduation and realizing I had the place entirely to myself. After growing up in a household of 10 people, the quiet felt almost unimaginable. It was my first experience of having days of true solitude, and it was both peaceful and liberating.

Today, I’m once again enjoying that rare quiet before the summer crowds arrive. Surrounded by familiar sights and sounds, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to still have this special place for reflection, renewal and inspiration.

Ironically, I won’t be here for the busy Fourth of July festivities. Instead, I’ll be back in Naples enjoying fireworks from the beach while renters enjoy my northern Michigan retreat. These days, I appreciate the quieter moments of summer just as much as its celebrations.

By August, my daughter and co-publisher, Alina, her hubby Charley, and my granddaughter Zylah, will join me at the lake. Watching Zylah begin to experience some of the same joys that shaped my childhood reminds me that wellness isn’t found only in the latest research or health practices. It’s also found in traditions, relationships and moments of connection that nourish us across generations. In a world that often moves too fast, these simple experiences help anchor us in what matters most.

That message resonates throughout this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings. Summer offers countless opportunities to reconnect—with nature, loved ones and ourselves. We hope you enjoy this issue and take time to embrace the simple joys of the season. I wish you a summer filled with health, happiness and meaningful memories.

Happy Summering,

Sharon Bruckman, Publisher