This is a special place that makes me feel peaceful, comforted and calm. Things just find a better place in my head. I’ve space to think and it’s like nature reminds you that natural time has a slower, gentler pace. And I’m just me being there.

I miss the trees, the smell of pine, damp earth, puddles, leaves. I miss the scrunch of my feet on the path that winds away through the trees. The sound of birds and the bell on my dog’s collar as she charges about.

I remember days when the sun’s dappled light creates moving shadows on the tree trunks. And if you look up, leaves caught in the sunlight glow bright green against the shadowy woodland. When my legs and body are unable to take me there, I remember all of these things. I remember being able to walk for hours.

My life has changed so much from the time when a dog walk in the woods seems such an ordinary, everyday thing. I’d like to leave my message to the many people walking dogs there.

Hello. I miss saying hello and exchanging smiles and maybe saying things like, “isn’t it a nice day?” “Shame about the rain!” or “aren’t we lucky to have this on our doorstep?”

And I’d ask if you’d stand there for me for a moment. Breathe in and smell the wood. Hear the leaves. Feel that breeze. Sense the trees around you and the gentle calm I miss so much. And I’ll smile and think about this place and how I would be there if I could.