Monday morning and back to the regular routine. It hardly seems possible that for the last few days, I've been truly a "mom away." Life returns so quickly to normal.
Is it worth the time and trouble to organize an event like this? Hours spent planning, shopping, emailing, thinking, dreaming - and then the actual event. YES!!!
This weekend is not a cure-all. Getting away for two nights is not going to change anyone's life dramatically. But, it might be the subtle shift that starts a healing process. Getting to meet other women who have walked a similar road might provide a glimpse into a brighter future. Someone may hear one phrase that creates a spark of hope. Another person may find a friend that they can call to share the good, the bad, and definitely the ugly.
This year was different for me personally. I found myself on the edge of things more; listening with an aching heart to stories of pain, despair, and disillusionment. I also overheard riotous laughter, quiet sounds of empathy, and sometimes, just a silence that wrapped people like a warm hug. I was much more emotional than I expected to be. I often had tears threatening to spill over for a number of reasons. I ached for those who have felt alone; I wept for losses and gains, hopes and fears; my own strong emotions came to the surface as I listened in awe to women who work so hard for the children they love.
I love that this place we've all created together is a place of non-judgment. People napped without guilt, went for solitary or group walks, sat and read books, talked and talked some more, danced!, and maybe ate a little bit.
For me, the food was really important. I know I cooked too much, but I had motives behind my menus. First, I needed to make sure that every Mama had something she could eat. So, I needed a variety of choices. Second, I wanted to make sure that I had nurturing, fresh food as much as possible. That also helped out with reason three, which is I wanted to make sure I could have lots of fellowship in the kitchen. Chopping, cutting, stirring, etc., small groups of women had another chance to chat.
Sure, we could have probably thrown a bunch of pizzas in the oven and called it dinner, but I wanted to feed the souls as well as the bodies. The anticipation from the posted menus, the aroma of carrot cake wafting through the house, the pretty layers of the torta rustica, the extra touches for the morning coffee: these were all thought to bring small moments of pleasure and happiness. And, to be honest, feeding people well also totally feeds my own soul. I'm happy when I can make people feel good through the gifts I bring to the table.
As I drove away from the house, I found myself not quite ready to believe it was done for another year already. Like last year, I am not able to process it all right away. Little pieces pop up when I least expect them to. Small moments are working their way to my heart as I think about conversations I had with different women. I will always remember my conversation about gratitude with one mom; I chose to start living that way immediately and I've already felt the change in myself.
I loved seeing small groups of women chatting quietly on the deck, in the hottub, or in one of the living rooms. I cherished hearing peals of laughter from around the wine tasting table. My heart still has the echo of hurt from hearing some painful stories. And, I am so grateful to be able to measure the growth in my own family by what I said and felt last year to what I said and felt this year.
And - that's a wrap! MA13 in the planning stages already. :-)
Teresa
...come join other adoptive moms for our fifth annual retreat... Friday, May 29 to Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Silver Star, BC
Monday, May 28, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Letter to the mamas
Driving to work this morning, I found myself unexpectedly emotional. I was thinking of all the things I need to do still to get ready for Moms Away this weekend (tomorrow!!), and then I started thinking of all the mamas who are also getting ready. Getting ready to kiss their beautiful kids farewell for just a couple of nights; giving them extra snuggles and reassurances that "mommy always comes back"; feeling conflicting emotions of excitement, fear, nervousness, anticipation, and hope.
I'm so grateful that 16 other women have chosen to come away with me to a beautiful house in the mountains for a couple days of relaxation, fun, and hopefully connection. You moms give your hearts and souls to your children everyday. You worry about how they will adjust in school; whether or not they will heal from those early days; how you will maintain relationships with birth family members because that matters to your child; how you will tell your child the tough stuff; sometimes how you will get through the next ten minutes.
My hope is that for a couple of days, you can let someone else worry about you and take care of you. That you can put your feet up if that is what you wish. That you can sleep in as long as you want and have a cup of coffee waiting for you whenever you decide to come out of your room. That you can connect with a friend or two. That you can lay the worries down for just a few hours, and that when you pick them up again, perhaps they are just a little bit lighter.
I am feeling so blessed to be surrounded by all you amazing women - and I don't even know you all yet.
Safe travels; I will see you tomorrow!
Hugs,
Teresa
I'm so grateful that 16 other women have chosen to come away with me to a beautiful house in the mountains for a couple days of relaxation, fun, and hopefully connection. You moms give your hearts and souls to your children everyday. You worry about how they will adjust in school; whether or not they will heal from those early days; how you will maintain relationships with birth family members because that matters to your child; how you will tell your child the tough stuff; sometimes how you will get through the next ten minutes.
My hope is that for a couple of days, you can let someone else worry about you and take care of you. That you can put your feet up if that is what you wish. That you can sleep in as long as you want and have a cup of coffee waiting for you whenever you decide to come out of your room. That you can connect with a friend or two. That you can lay the worries down for just a few hours, and that when you pick them up again, perhaps they are just a little bit lighter.
I am feeling so blessed to be surrounded by all you amazing women - and I don't even know you all yet.
Safe travels; I will see you tomorrow!
Hugs,
Teresa
Monday, May 14, 2012
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