My annual summer vacation is approaching ever-so-slowly and soon I will only be thinking about three things: the beach, sleeping in, and . . . well . . . the beach. Okay, so maybe it's only two things but that's only because the beach means so many things to me. It means relaxation, reading a good book, and most importantly, time with my family. The latter I cannot stress the importance of enough.
Sometimes I take it for granted how lucky I am to have such a great family. I often think of our residents and their family lives and how they probably don't view vacation in the same light that I do. That is, if they've even had the opportunity to go on vacation at all. HopeTree is fortunate enough to have an active and enthusiastic Activities Coordinator that provides plenty of fun experiences for our residents.
I just recently read an email about an upcoming trip to King's Dominion for our residents, just one of several trips this summer. It warms my heart to know that they will be able to have their fun in the sun, but at the same time, I think about what means the most to me. It is important to us for cultivate the idea of family here at HopeTree; in the cottages and in the classrooms. We provide that element that was absent in many of our residents' lives and, when possible, mend those relationships at home.
