Almost here

There are broken pieces within all of us, yet each of us is also made up of moments of sublime perfection. I believe this to be true of my children, and I believe it to be true of the mothers who come together each year for Moms Away. The women who choose to carve out a weekend for themselves once a year come for their own reasons.

Some of these mothers come year after year to see old friends, to relax by the hot tub, or to walk in silence with nature. Others come once only; they may or may not get just what they need, but at the very least, they join a community. Sometimes it is enough just to know that one is not alone, that someone "out there" will get it.

There are moments that are too perfect in their simplicity to even be expressed. I hold these moments to myself like melting snowflakes, gentle in their landing on my heart even after their melting. I look back and think of the uproarious laughter our first year; the echo of that hilarity props me up on my saddest days. I recall with an aching heart the sorrow and isolation expressed by a mom another year.

When I least expect it - and when I need it most - I will recall one of these moments. And, with that flash of memory, I remember that I am not alone. You are not alone. Together, we prop one another up so that we can do the work we need to do for our children.

I can hardly wait to gather this year's moments and rest them on my heart. See you all in two short days.

Teresa

Just two more months

Moms Away 2014 is just 65 days away. It's hard to believe it's been almost a year since our last retreat. Much has happened in my own life since we were last together, and I'm certain that is the case for many of the other moms as well.

Each year around this time, I start to think about what this year's MA will be like. This will be our fourth retreat, and every time, it is different for me. There are some years that I am the supporter; other years that I need the support. Some years I laugh more than I cry; the opposite is also true.

The women who find their way to this retreat often change as well. There are a few of us who have been every year; sometimes, once is enough.

Having said all that, there are some aspects of Moms Away that just don't change, regardless of the food served, the weather outside, the list of attendees, or the optional activities on tap. Each year, someone who needs a bit of support just to make through to the next month, finds it. And, each year, someone who was feeling all alone in her adoption journey will find out that there are others walking a similar path.

- And, every year, at some point, there will be tears, there will be laughter, and there will be comfort.

You are not alone.  Join us and find your own reasons for being a mom away. You will return to your family with new ideas, new energy, perhaps a new commitment to this path.

MA14 Open for Registration

Registration is now open for next year's Moms Away. If you would like to join us, please contact me for the access code to register. 

What amazes me is that we have different people each year; and each year, the "flavour" of the retreat is different. My hope is that someone who needs to find a group of supportive, encouraging, "been there" moms, will find their way to this retreat. Perhaps that is you - perhaps it is a friend of yours whom you have seen struggling and needing support. 

https://www.regonline.ca/momsaway2014

A special place - by a guest blogger

Thanks to the mama who wrote and shared this:

I have a special place. I go there to connect with an abundance of things and people My special place is relaxing and cozy. There are no clocks, there is no TV, there are no sounds of anything but laughter, crying, the murmurs of small groups and, occasionally, a loud screech of excitement. My special place welcomes me each year with warm, reassuring arms and comforting familiarity. My special place allows me to unwind, to vent, to release frustrations, celebrate successes and relate so, so well with other, similar stories. When I think of my special place, I can almost smell the simple pleasures of arranged meals so delicately and perfectly prepared. I can feel my body relaxing and sinking into the comfort of my p.j's and one of the many acquainted couches. I can see many moments of laughter shared with my close, understanding and inspiring friends. My special place is treasured. It is for me. It gives me a push, gives me tools and gives me a refill until we meet again. My special place is Moms Away...

Moms Away 2014 in the making

It's been quite some time since I last posted. Since the 2013 Moms Away, I have gone back and forth about whether or not to offer this retreat again. I have finally decided to go for it once again. I think that there is strength in community and in knowing that there are others who may walk a similar road. I know that as I drive away from the annual weekend in the mountains, I feel lighter somehow. I have a few more tools in my toolbox, I have a sense that perhaps I have helped someone else, or I may have connected with someone new. At the very least, I will have walked in the crisp spring mountain air, laughed until my stomach ached, shed a tear or two - or more, prepared and eaten nourishing food, and just refreshed myself.

This year, there are a few changes in the works.  The first is that I will be 'going it alone' this year after a very successful collaboration with AFABC. I have truly felt supported and encouraged by this amazing organization, and especially by Dianna (you know who you are.)

As well, there will be a few optional, organized Saturday afternoon activities based on feedback from previous participants. You will have the choice to participate, or not, as always.

I hope to be able to offer travel assistance or subsidies to those moms who would like to come but find this outside of their budgets. If you would like to help support one of these moms, you will have that option on the registration form.

And, finally, I will be offering credit card payments this year.

For now, please consider marking May 30 - June 1, 2014 as YOUR weekend to be a "Mom Away."

In peace,
Teresa

Still available

In just 40 (count 'em - 40) days, we will come together for a much-deserved retreat. Looking at the ski hill from my window today, I see a whole bunch of fresh snow on the mountains. However, I'm going to think warm thoughts and hope it all melts before our weekend.

Two spots have opened up recently. If you or someone you know is an adoptive mom who could use a weekend 'away from it all," please consider joining us. Moms Away is a space where there is good food, great conversation, laughter, tears, as many naps as you want, and the occasional glass of wine or cup of coffee.

I know people's lives change, so although I miss mamas who can attend one year and not the next, I am of the belief that those who do attend are the ones who should. So, if you have a small tug saying, "That might be what I need," I encourage you to go with that instinct. 

Time changes everything

It's a quiet Easter Sunday morning in our home. My parents are here, kids are recovering from their post-bunny hunt chocolate high, and I'm happy to carve out a few minutes to just write.

I was talking with a friend the other day about the differences (for me) between the first and second MA. I wonder what the third one will bring. Will this be the retreat that I sit back and relax? (probably not, as those of you who have been there already know - I love to putter in the kitchen during the MA weekend. It makes me happy.)

We will have some new people join us, which allows us the opportunity to expand and reshape our community. We have even less on the agenda than before, with massages being booked off-site for those who want them. There are absolutely no planned activities, other than the occasional meal (and even that is pretty flexible.)

Fifty-four days from now we will come together again. I wonder what changes there will be in our lives between now and then. It feels like change is in the air...