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Genie Francis | Welcome to The Cherished Home. I have wonderful memories of my childhood in Centerport, Long Island; hopping from one iceberg to another in the bay, catching fireflies every summer, being encircled in the autumn leaves by just the right gust of wind. I knew everyone on my street and the next one too. They knew me as well! I could ride my trike to "Auntie Agnes' " house and receive egg nog and cookies no matter what season it was. Life was safe, innocent, magical and beautiful. I really believed that this ideal existence only lived in my memories- until I visited Maine. My family came here for a summer vacation about 7 years ago and we were immediately smitten. We watched our toddlers running freely outdoors, wandering on the shore for hours, fascinated by what the sea had left behind. We would hear them squeal in delight when catching frogs or alas fireflies. I felt my chest relax, breathing deeper and easier. I was overtaken by the beauty of nature which is so abundant here and unspoiled by human presence or "progress". I felt safe. I allowed my children to wander further away and I knew they would be okay. It was such a relief to stop living defensively. I felt I had come home! We bought a house that first summer and returned for Christmas and summers from then on. I feel as though I belong to this small community. I love the "big family" feel of a small town. How many parents can give their children the same kind of childhood they had themselves? We feel so very lucky to live here. It is just as the sign says: "Maine- the way life should be". Genie Francis |
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