Meet Nina and the Lighthouse at Presque Isle. Presque Isle Light is one of three lighthouses on Lake Erie. It is located on the northern shore of Presque Isle State Park. It stands 68′ tall, was constructed in 1872 and became automated in 1962. For more information about this lighthouse go here. This site here also gives some really interesting insight into the lighthouse.
I spent five years pastoring a church in Sandusky, Ohio so I made frequent trips to the lighthouse at Marblehead, OH. If captains and sailors could speak today I’m sure they could tell fantastic stories of Marblehead, Presque Isle and others. Countless lives were saved and ships averted disaster because of the light from the lighthouse. It used to be manned by individuals. What a lonely job that must have been! But what an essential job it was also.
The importance of the lighthouse cannot be diminished in any way. Its light shined through all kinds of weather. I used to drive to Marblehead in the middle of January just to see the ice build up and to see how far out it went. You could see Kelly’s Island from the lighthouse and there were times it was shut down and only a plane could get people off the island. I don’t know how many lighthouses are still working and shining its light, especially with the more sophisticated equipment on ships these days.
Nina is Dave’s daughter. Dave wrote about the death of his friend, Lynn. Nina was riding on a tandem with him when the accident happened. The Presque Isle lighthouse was Lynn’s favorite. Part of Dave and Nina’s therapy was going to the lighthouse and having the above picture taken. Therapy comes in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Below is also some of Nina’s therapy and her tribute to Lynn. I wanted to use this during the week I was having my surgery and had guest writers but it was unavailable. Nina drew this from a postcard and drew it all freehand. I’d say quite a gift!
The spiritual application is easy. Jesus once said, “I am the Light of the World.” Elsewhere the Bible says, “People who live in darkness have seen a great light.” I’ll close this long post with this song. If you have trouble with the lyrics (which you shouldn’t) click on Show More below the video.
could not help but think of this song, The Lighthouse. since you are not a southern gospel fan thought I would just post the words in my comment. It’s my husband favorite song. Blessings Bill
There’s a lighthouse on the hillside
That overlooks life’s sea
When I’m tossed it sends out
A light that I mighty see
And the light that shines in darkness
Now will safely lead me hole
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
My ship would be no more
[Man speaks]
It seems that everybody about us say: “Tear that old lighthouse down. The big ships they just don’t pass this way anymore. So there’s no use in it standing around.”
But then my mind goes back to that one darn storm night, when just in time, I saw the light.
Yes, it was the light from that old lighthouse that stands there up there on the hill.
And I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown the light around me
That I mighty clearly see
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
Tell me: where would this ship be?
And I thank God for the lighthouse
I owe my life to Him
Jesus is the lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shown the light around me
That I mighty clearly see
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
Tell me: where would this ship be?
Aaaah Betty. You don’t know me! 🙂 I know that song. J.D. Sumner and the Stamps sang that song back in the early ’70s when Richard Sterban was the other bass (before the Oak Ridge Boys days). At the time it was one of my favorite songs. How’s that for a surprise???? LOL
I love this surprise…Thank God for the lighthouse…He still shines the light to keep us on the right path…
P.S. Love the song you posted too..
I love giving surprises. Bet you didn’t know that about me! I used to listen to southern gospel (quartets) when I was in college (1970-1974) The Stamps and Downings were two of my favorites. The Oaks were my most favorite. how’s that for a surprise?
What’s really sad is the thought that they HAVE seen a great light, and that light has shined on their sins, yet they continue in their sins.
That’s a great drawing! I love lighthouses, though I have never been in one, much less near one.
Very true Ed. Jesus said the Light has come but they have not seen it. Glad you liked Nina’s drawing.
Yes, therapy comes in all shapes, sizes and styles. Thank you for sharing this story with us, Bill. Nina’s drawing is awesome!
Blessings!
You’re welcome Martha. And I agree about Nina’s drawing.
Well, isn’t this interesting! Jeff and I are about to visit Maine and in particular, lighthouses. 🙂 I see such a metaphor with lighthouses and our soon-to-be role as grandparents. So this post is perfect for me to read tonight! Enjoying the song too… Thank for sharing all this background, Bill. Going to read more…
Hope you have a great time Lisa. i was in Maine as a child but my wife has never been there. Nor to the New England states at all. That is a bucket list item.
It was so nice to meet you over at my blog, Messy Marriage, Bill. And I absolutely am a fan of lighthouses. I’ve seen many but never up north or off the Great Lakes. I would have so much fun peddling around the island like you must have done. It’s one of my and my husband’s favorite things to do on a vacation.
I’m so sorry to hear about Lynn’s loss but love the tribute drawn by Nina. Thanks for sharing it and all about your grand adventures!
Thanks for coming by Beth. I did enjoy pedaling around the island. I also took the ferry to Kelly’s Island and rode there several times. Fun times. Nina and her dad, Dave, were also injured badly (Dave) in the same wreck which killed Lynn. Sad state of affairs, especially with the man getting off with a slap of the wrist. Thanks again for coming by.
mmm … a beautiful lighthouse, a tender story. there can be terrific healing in looking backward before we move ahead.
thanks, Bill …
You know all about the healing Linda. You show others how to find it all the time. I treasure your comment. Thanks
I love lighthouses and it’s so true that therapy takes many forms. Thanks for sharing this, Bill. Blessings to you.
Appreciate you coming by Jason. Thanks.
Great story and inspiration for all of us by sharing the struggles of others and how they cope in their own ways. Love the object lesson and meeting the talented young lady; Nina.