It is interesting how a desperation for a sense of normalcy has led many people to do things that they might ordinarily not consider. We have been forced to expand our thinking and be more creative.
It was heartbreaking to have to cancel our annual beach vacation to the Jersey shore with our children and grandchildren this summer. In response to the situation, my husband and I decided to try to find a place where we could safely travel this fall. Our younger son and his husband were unable to join us because of the academic calendar, they are on the faculty at a large university, but we decided to go forward.
With my husband’s immune system compromised because of his chemotherapy, we were limited in our travel choices. We searched for a place that was secluded, not too far a drive, and one that would capture the attention of our older son’s family. Our four grandchildren are ages 10, 7, 6 and 2. What we discovered became the trip of a lifetime.
Avondale Hills Farm was the perfect getaway!! From the beautiful decorated stone home equipped with a pool, hot tub, and theatre room, to the farm animals; cows, chickens, bunnies, goats, dogs, and a baby pig named Wilby. We were mesmerized by this incredible place. It quickly became the highlight of all of our travels. According to our grandchildren, “This was the best vacation ever.”
But it wasn’t just the serene setting that captured us, the farmers were wonderful. Farmer Aaron offered interesting details about the animals and allowed our grandchildren to interact with some of them. They loved every minute. Our 7 year old grandson adored the baby pig, Wilby, who was in a pen directly outside our front door. He wants to be a farmer now and when it was time to go home, he sobbed.
So, what we believed to be a limitation to our travel, actually became an amazing adventure to which we will definitely return.
I know that many of you are finding ways to adjust to the new normal. I have seen more new puppies around than I ever remember seeing. And yes… we too succumbed to the insanity. After fifteen years of being a dog free household, we adopted a 10-week old puppy the day after we returned from the farm. (It was planned ahead of time, by the way.)
Life may be taking you into unfamiliar territory right now. Allow yourself the freedom to think differently. There are treasures to be found around every corner. May your new normal be filled with beautiful moments.
Carol Marchant Gibbs
Stories Changing Lives
