2022 marks the 40th year I have spent the summer in our cottage on this one-hundred acre island on the edge of the Sheepscot River. We lug our groceries over rocks and up steep boardwalks, trip on deteriorating cement sidewalks, and hike across woodland paths hoping a swarm of mosquitoes won’t find us or a deer does not spring out of the flora and crash into us. What was an adventure in the early ’80s when my husband and I, with our two children, a feisty calico cat and an undisciplined black lab joined the Isle of Springs Community is increasingly becoming a challenge. (Ditto long tennis matches, stepping in and out of boats, then securing it on a dock which often rocks from errant waves). When we bought our cottage, we were in our forties and our kids were pre-teenagers. As a newcomer, I admired long-established islanders who filled their cottages in July and August with several generations. I especially respected those who sat at the top of the living family tree and managed island life. Now, I am a part of that demographic, suddenly growing aware of how aging has an effect on the ease of living on the Isle of Springs.

Fortunately, the Island lures grandchildren of all ages to its shores and its traditions. My most meaningful experiences this summer were with my 20-year-old granddaughter whose summer-long residence helped offset my concerns about my growing limitations. One of the pleasures has been to watch her head off for work in the Harbor each morning, a confident young woman, on time, dressed to the nines, with bag lunch, boating herself to the mainland, I miss the old days when we spent the day at the old playground, or enjoyed boat trips, picnics and swims at Powderhorn, puzzles, cards, silly games, visits to the Botanical Gardens. Best of all dress-up with my old bridesmaid dresses, and my mom’s garments and hats from the 1950s. This year we had limited time, but we squeezed in time for memorable moments that boosted my spirits. The day before she left we The Red Cup, earlier in the season when there were no customers, we spent an hour at her work place, a vintage dress shop, playing “Try-on-Clothes. Best of all was one of her days off when we worked around each other in the cottage. She measured out a pattern while I re-arranged the living room. We managed to fit in a few after dinner card games, two months of “finer diner” dinners, and several extended meaningful conversations, making up for the year we have lived on opposite sides of the country.

Thinking about this summer’s experience with my granddaughter led me to ask other grandparents what it meant to them to have time with a grandchild on the Isle of Springs. Here is what I collected.

Deborah Pierce’s response, as always, was direct: “If we’re able, why would we not want to share this amazing place with our grands? Where else can they find such kind, generous and reliable people who are ready to share what they have learned over the years? Where else are so many activities, both new and old, in one place? And where else are so many adults ready to help with and watch those activities?” 

Will and Patsy Mackenzie, who now qualify as great-grandparents, spun a generational story. “My dad bought our small whaler, Jenzy Kenzy, when Jenny was six years old. Jenny just turned sixty. All six of our grandchildren have learned about the water while driving the Jenzy Kenzy. Now we hope our great grandson, Charlie Welty, will someday learn about the mouth of the Sheepscot River while driving the Jenzy Kenzy!

The grandmother of all grandmothers, Pat Ridlon, noted, “Time spent with our grandchildren is always filled with love and laughter. Somehow our island time together is even more special. Maybe even magical. They are God’s gift to us.”

I quote Ms. Sparkling Energy grandmother, Carol Burvill, “The moment you step foot on the Isle of Springs you set your clock to island time. Island life with my grandchildren becomes very joyous and peaceful.  Just leaving the house a new conversation begins with the collecting of rocks, sticks, pine cones and leaves.” Because Carol’s cottage is near the tennis courts and playground, she muses, as if talking to the little one, “Maybe some day you’ll be a tennis player and, of course, we have to spend time at the playground.” She reports that “by the time we get to the dock and put on the life jacket the excitement to go on Grampy’s boat is pretty wild!!! Beach life is so special watching their wonder and joy as the water hits their toes.”

A grandmother, with a passel of little and bigger ones, Beth Ayer’s quick response to my question was: “My experience as a grandparent was great!” She explained, “We had several returning grands and two for whom it was really their first experience.  The older ones were so happy to be back and couldn’t wait return to their favorite spots and see some of the people they remembered.  A little sad that some friends weren’t there, but that is a lesson of this place. We are there at different times, but still hold the place with the same fond regard. The young ones were exploring a “new” place and finding the wonder in that.  It always does me good to see the old familiar place with new eyes (such a cliché, but so true). We were able to share some of the traditions - They were excited to place their rock on the cairn, go to Sunday Service (and ring the bell), and watch the tennis tournament. I love being able to share this place with them and am so glad they want to come. It is wonderful to be able to share time with them in a place where there are no other demands on our time; except maybe when the next high tide will be.   It  is heart warming to see them developing their love for this special place” Beth closes with a wish: “I can only hope it continues.”

“[It’s] another chance to see a young curious mind explore new wonders in a new environment full of new things,” wrote Jack Vayda. Yes, you young grandparents, Jack, Carol and Beth, even as grandchildren age, we will witness a curious mind explore wonders they had not noticed before. Aging does not limit us from the continuing joy of this experience.