As a child, I spent quiet afternoons with my grandma at a hidden lake, digging for colorful stones she made me believe were treasures. Years later, after she passed, I returned to the lake and discovered a buried tin with a bracelet, photos, and a letter from her. She’d planted the rocks, not to fool me—but to teach me that the world is full of magic if you look closely.
Her words changed everything. I left my corporate job, moved back into her home, and started “Treasure Lake,” a nature camp for kids. I hid polished stones like she had, creating space for wonder, healing, and connection. One quiet boy named Kevin began to speak again. Others brought snacks, supplies, and support.
Then came another letter, this one with a key. In the attic, I found $9,000 and a photo of Grandma smiling by the lake. That money built a better space for the kids. Now, when people ask how Treasure Lake began, I simply say, “My grandma let me dig for rocks.” And that really was everything.
Moral:
The smallest acts—like hiding a rock or sharing quiet time—can shape a life. Keep digging. There’s always something worth finding.