Dear Lake Lucerne,

I realize that not a lot of people know who you are. I know you as a small neighborhood in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. I know you as a small, man made lake. To me, you are home. I’ve been thinking a lot about home over the past few years. It’s an ever evolving, fluid concept for me. But while the feeling of where I belong is certainly complex, I have never really questioned where I grew up. I grew up with you, Lake Lucerne, and you were the very best place to grow up.

Strangers who I bring to visit you always remark on a few things. What a nice place, they’ll say. What friendly people. What a beautiful lake. Growing up, I lived isolated in the Utopia of the Lake. My summers were spent down at the beach, swimming in the lake, building sand castles, and catching minnows. I spent countless hours running through the ravine and the woods behind my house. Lake Lucerne, you are like something out of a fairy tale: a place with plenty of green space to run, woods to build forts in, and a lake to canoe and swim in. The beach has a diving board, a rope swing (sometimes) and a playground. But you are so much more than scenery, Lake Lucerne; the community and support I have found with you has been amazing.

You are a strange little place, as I’m sure you’re well aware. You have your traditions and your quirks. The Fourth of July celebration alone is enough to set you apart from any other neighborhood in America, possibly the world (in my humble opinion). What other place spends weeks planning an elaborate parade complete with judges? What other place plans a three day celebration with a parade, games, and local community events and competitions? What other place has a swim team called the “Lake Lucerne Leeches”? I haven’t heard of any. Further, there is a magic to this place I have never experienced anywhere else. There is a sense of community here…people truly care about each other. I’ve noticed it in the small moments: a smile and a wave as I cross back with a neighbor on the street, packs of small children running around together at the beach, it’s the life guards taking the time to interact with the kids and fulfilling the older sibling role and not simply the rule enforcers. It’s the neighborhood parties and fire pits in the summer. It’s walking across the long to go visit your friend next door simply because you can. The community of Lake Lucerne is strong. We help each other when we need help, and we celebrate together when we have cause to celebrate. Thank you for teaching me the value of community. Thank you for helping me to grow up in a place of support and love and magic.

I hope I can always come home to your beach and your lake and your incredibly fun traditions for many more years.

Love,

Your Neighbor.