Lily Dale is one of the oldest and largest Spritualist communities. It is the home for many mediums and healers, and the tourist destination of thousands every summer. The book is an open, honest account from a person who went into the experience as a total skeptic and came out of it knowing a bit more about herself.
I grew up in Dunkirk, NY, just shy of a dozen miles from this community on the Cassadaga Lake. Ironically, I never have been there though I've known about it most of my life. My brother and my cousins worked one summer up at the cafeteria in the area back in the early 80's while I was still in high school.
I must admit that I've always been fascinated by the prospect of mediums and those spirits who communicate through them. I do believe that there is something beyond our mortal time on this world, and I am open to the prospect that those that move beyond their physical forms might be able to channel their energies back to those on this plane of existence.
I know there have been occasions where I've felt the presence of spirits around me. I already mentioned in this blog the Ouija board experience we had one summer. And a year or so ago when my wife converted to Catholicism we were at the Easter vigil where the new members joined - as I stood behind my wife as her sponser, I felt the presence of my grandparents, feeling their pride over the occasion. I've even had visions of departed family members in my dreams, providing information or guidance on things or assistance in finding things that are missplaced.
I think perhaps next time we return to western NY, we just might take a little trip up route 60 and pay the Dale a visit.
