If you asked me about the hidden jewels of my hometown – West Bend, IA. – I could tell you about the small town charm of the old-fashioned soda fountain located on main street, or the irresistible taste of warm Butter Braid pastries our little community is known for.
Then, of course, there’s the Grotto of the Redemption, an unexpected “miracle in stone” that is home to one of the largest collections of precious minerals and gems found in the world.
There’s nothing else like it, and to me, there’s no better way to experience its magic than a night of ice skating on the Grotto pond.
Returning to the Ice Rink
I probably hadn’t laced up a pair of ice skates in over five years, but I was recently home for a weekend visit and couldn’t resist an opportunity to get back on the ice to take in a beautiful, calm winter night and relive some of my best childhood memories.
Around 7 p.m. that Saturday I convinced my Dad to take me to town for a few laps on the open-air rink generously run by local community members. He declined to join me fully (said he didn’t want to ‘clean the ice’), so instead he watched me from the observation window as I made circles around the pond.
When we arrived, we learned the Grotto had welcomed over 60 visitors that night. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and families enjoying the simple joy of skating and watching their little ones navigate the ice – some for the very first time.
I noted how much less further some of the younger skaters had to fall. That must be why I was so much braver on the ice at the age of eight than at 28!
As I gingerly made my way, carving a small trail behind me, I reminisced over the many evenings I spent there after school – cheeks rosy from the cold and 50-cent pieces in my pocket from participating in games of dice and limbo.
I recall being somewhat of a limbo champ, slowly shedding layers of coats and other winter apparel for the best chances to sink below the bar as it was moved lower and lower.
Slowly, I regained my confidence, and before long, I found my pace speeding up from time to time – but not too fast. I never did master the sudden stop.
A Night of Reflective Splendor
The best part of my special outing was the splendor of silent reflection amidst a backdrop of spectacular views and a lively atmosphere.
Earlier that weekend, a freezing fog had coated the trees in glistening white crystals. The enchanting effect further illuminated the skating rink already subtly lit by the glow of blue string lights bordering the pond.
The sounds of joy and laughter filled the air, and in the background, the The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption was on full display – sparkling in all of her glory.
I like to call it ice skating with God.
