We headed out with our packed food and bikes, and hopped aboard a ferry before day break. It took us a little over an hour to get to the little island of Nantucket, and it was a beautiful sunrise over the windy Atlantic. The captain dropped us off and away we rode. It was like a fairy tale, for me anyway.
As we were grabbing some coffee, a man in a group of couples struck up a conversation with us. Before we parted ways he said, “You want me to take a picture of you two?” At the same time, Jason said, “No thank you.” and I said, “That would be great, thanks.” So, I’m giggling and Jason can’t hold a straight face in this picture. We got so tickled because we know how different men and women are. Always has been differences. Always will be.
As we were grabbing some coffee, a man in a group of couples struck up a conversation with us. Before we parted ways he said, “You want me to take a picture of you two?” At the same time, Jason said, “No thank you.” and I said, “That would be great, thanks.” So, I’m giggling and Jason can’t hold a straight face in this picture. We got so tickled because we know how different men and women are. Always has been differences. Always will be.
Nantucket is as beautiful as I had imaged. 
I still am pinching myself over this anniversary trip. It feels like another world.
I still am pinching myself over this anniversary trip. It feels like another world.
We first headed to the oldest residence on Nantucket Island still on its original sight. It was built in 1686 and it was definitely worth the bike ride there.
The owner was Jethro Coffin. Most of the homes are pre-Civil War era and have been moved off their foundation, and placed in other locations on the island. I was totally fascinated with the structure of the homes. They all are Puritan style, rectangle or square 2-3 story homes that have a lot of crooked walls, uneven floors, tons of character, and beautiful antique pieces (most were original to the homes). I love the unique touch this community has given to each home to preserve its history.
The Coffin’s home had 2 enormous fireplaces that were at least 4 1/2’ tall and 10’ wide. They still had the original well-house, cellar, and smokehouse standing steps away from the garden.
Most of my life I have reflected on things of the past… just thinking about the hands that have tended to this garden, the mothers that have tucked children into their beds, the ones that have cared for their elderly family, those who sat at the table and opened their primer to learn, the work put forth into preserving food for the winter months, young daughters that helped mend clothing for their hard-working fathers, the men teaching their boys to chop wood for the winter and hunt for meat, grandparents that have shared wisdom to the next generation, and as I brushed my hands across the dusty shelves imagining all the dishes stacked neatly after every meal… this environment lent itself for self-reflection.
The things I discover on my journeys continues to give me a new perspective.
What efforts am I making today to make a better tomorrow? How am I using my hands to care for and provide what my family needs? Am I being a good steward of my time here on earth? Who sits around our dining table that enjoys a meal with our family? What wisdom am I passing on?
It’s amazing how much has changed in our world, and I’m grateful to be here.
Jason, thank you for taking me on a life-changing journey. I’m so grateful you are my life partner.
Despite the differences men and women have, I wouldn’t change a thing about our lives. The hard makes us appreciate this view all the more. I will happily come to Nantucket with you anytime. This has been a snapshot moment of our lives I’ll always remember, and is forever etched in my mind as a place of respite for us. I love you.
Soli Deo Gloria
-Natalie