The tsunami in the Indian Ocean has abruptly ended the lives of over 200,000 people and has changed the lives of countless others. It is hard to think about water without the images of the tsunami and all of its devastation coming to mind. And at the same time, it is heartwarming to see the compassion that moves us all to help in situations like these.

As a child I worried about what would become of me if something happened to my parents. As a spouse I've worried about what I would do if something happened to my husband. As a parent I can't even fathom what my life would be like if something happened to my children. We've all gone down that road. But what I can't even begin to imagine, without my heart squeezing and writhing in pain, is what I would do if I had to choose which child to save, or if I couldn't reach my child before the wave carried them away forever, or if my entire village and everyone I knew were taken from me in an instant. And then, to have to worry about how to feed my family, how to house my family, or simply how to get fresh drinking water would be the aftermath for a long time.

Water is an ever-changing entity. It can bring destruction and it can bring life. It can be frightening and it can be beautiful. It can be bountiful as it is here in Minnesota, or it can be sparse as it is in many poorer countries. Water, for those of us fortunate enough to live on a lake, is truly a blessing. It refreshes our souls, calms our nerves and literally washes stress from us as we play in, and around, it. Many, in fact most, in the world are not as fortunate.  

As I reflect on the world's events, I try to focus on those things that really matter, how I can help others, and how I choose to live my life:

• I try to remember that a grateful heart is a happy heart.
• I try to remember that I am fortunate to have a lake home and that it is my responsibility to help those less fortunate.
• I try to remember to sprinkle my summer calendar with breaks.
• I try to remember that my time on the lake is a gift, and I am just a short term visitor, so I try to refresh my memory with boating regulations and other lake rules.
• I try to remember that my choices impact others, but if they are good choices I can make a positive impact.
• Mostly, I try to remember to celebrate life each and every day; it is fragile and it is a gift.

I also often think of just how fortunate we are to have you as a customer. As Lakestyle enters its sixth year in print, I thought it time to stop thinking this and actually tell you:

• Thank you for taking the time to give us feedback; it is what keeps us focused on the things that matter to you.
• Thank you for sharing your lake experiences and photos with us; these treasures are what make Lakestyle better.
• Thank you for all of your suggestions, comments and, yes, even the occasional criticism.
• Thank you for reading Lakestyle.

On a final note, we are working on producing our second annual Lakestyle Buyer's Guide as a service to our readers. Our premier issue was the first of its kind and a great resource as a single place to find all of your lake living services. Please feel free to e-mail us with category suggestions or other ideas for our second issue at buyersguide@lakestyle.com.

Thank you again and keep celebrating life on the water!

Nancy Henke, Editor

By Nancy Henke