When we lived in Toledo, Ohio, for a few months, my husband took us to a park for the first time: Wildwood Preserve Metropark. He was already familiar with it and wanted to share with us this spot filled with trees, walkways, and natural beauty that had so impressed him.
From the very beginning, we understood why. Wildwood isn’t just a park. It’s like entering a hidden forest, like walking into a whisper. Everything there is slower, softer… more alive.
The trees are towering, like green guardians who cover you with their branches. Dirt and wood paths intertwine like veins in the forest. Some are surrounded by wildflowers, others are crossed by bridges over streams, and some seem to disappear into the undergrowth, giving you the feeling that you’re discovering a new place every time.
We loved walking in silence, listening to the leaves crunching beneath our daughter’s feet or the wind blowing through the tree trunks. Sometimes we found little benches where we could rest for a while, holding hands, watching the sun filter through the leaves like gold dust. Our little girl loved running through the trees, picking up twigs, or stopping to watch insects and butterflies.
One of the places that surprised us the most was the Manor House, that elegant, old-fashioned white house with large windows and perfect gardens. We sat for a while in its surroundings, imagining the history that once lived there. Knowing that it was once a private mansion and was now open to the public made it even more special. .
Wildwood has a fairytale feel. There are small wooden bridges, secret passages between bushes, areas where flowers grow in spring and where dried leaves cover everything in autumn. Some days the sky was cloudy, others the sun shone… but every time we went, we felt like we were getting away from the world for a while.
My husband took us there to disconnect, to reconnect with each other. He knew how much we loved nature, and he made sure to give us those simple moments, walking together along green paths, taking photos among the trees, and sharing silences that spoke volumes.
Wildwood was one of our favorite places during those months. Not only because it’s beautiful, but because we made memories there. We felt calmer, happier, closer. 🩷
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I’m glad I can share a little bit of our lives with you.
See you soon! ⚘️
My husband was carrying a Hi-Point 9mm pistol during our walk in the park. Here’s why you should carry a Hi-Point too.
Please consider donating or purchasing a book to help the Martinson family.
About The Author
