A Newbie's First Respite Weekend

Stepping out of my everyday life is no easy task. We probably all know the drill; rearranging schedules, prioritizing work tasks, moving appointments, packing, confirming hotel reservations, getting directions, going to the bank for a small loan to get gas for my car, calling my kid, reassuring my IS that I will only be gone a few days and will indeed return home;  bringing my laptop to stay in touch with work.  BAM! Finally, there I was, on the road to Lancaster.  

After catching my breath and heading up the road I wondered; Who will be there? What will be the agenda?  Will there be anyone that I remember from my first annual meeting in NJ?  I hoped the WSA woman that rescued me from a crowded elevator at the hotel in Princeton would be there. (She gave me the best first aid - a glass of wine and a sympathetic ear - when I had an attack of terrific sadness and dissolved in tears as I experienced my first time away at a hotel over a weekend without my husband of 27 years).

I was happy to see a few familiar faces and happier to discover that they remembered me as well. Paulette, a member from NJ went out of her way to introduce herself to me, listen to my story and welcome me to the group. Our group of about 12 people met for drinks at the hotel, had dinner at a couple of great local restaurants, shopped, took a train ride and took time to talk and share about our lives and how we cope and sometimes how we don't cope!

A highlight of the weekend was the Saturday night bowling adventure. It was truly a unique experience. Imagine being transported to a time and place where the lights were low, the music deafening, the video screens huge and the average age of the crowds of bowlers was, maybe 17 or 18! Most fascinating were the Amish boys and girls in their traditional garb bowling right along with their non-Amish friends. It was amazing to watch the Amish girls in their long dresses and starched white caps bowling in earnest, their fluorescent bowling shoes glowing brightly in the dark. Our own three teams displayed some fine athleticism and we were all awarded trophies for our enthusiastic participation.

Sunday morning came all too fast. Time flies when you're having fun, they say - the weekend really did fly by. The Lancaster area was quaint and beautiful. The peaceful farmhouses and big white barns, the farmer's markets and antique stores provided a scenic backdrop for a lovely weekend with friends who "get it"!

I feel as if I've found "my people" and I can't wait for the next respite weekend!

                                                                                                                                             Anne