Sometimes You Get What You Need…

The first week of April I was to travel to Austin, Texas for the Bio-Hackers World Conference. I was so excited to learn more about the science behind being a healthier human, meeting leaders in the field, experiencing new technology, and mostly connecting with a friend who is in the same sphere, Heather Grey aka The Lyme Boss.

I arrived to the airport, after I had spent a complete day of pampering at Mason Wells Day Spa (thanks to the most thoughtful Christmas gift from my husband), relaxed and full of excitement. As is the usual these days, I was dropped at the curb, hugged and kissed and on my way. As they moved us through the security line, our phones started beeping, announcing a delay. A one hour delay. The vast majority of us would miss our connections and that time was spent talking to the desk agent trying to reschedule, reroute etc. Once it was my turn, I had already looked online for alternatives, but there really were none to be had. Basically, I could get a refund and drive or not go. Yes there are other airlines, but they looked at those too and the times of available flights were not really viable options. 

So…I called my husband to pick me up, planning to drive to Austin. I called the hotel the convention was at and asked about changing my reservation. The reservation clerk could not make the change so they put me through to the desk. They were able to accommodate but it would come with a much larger bill. Then he said, “I can cancel the reservation with no penalty and full refund”.

Wow…At this point I was getting over frustration and moving into the realization that maybe Austin want to be my destination. I messaged Tom Jacobs, the host at a spiritual retreat center I find great solace in, and asked if there was any room at the inn. Within a few moments the reply came back “Yes, there’s one! We’d love to have you!”

I was covered in a sense of peace, let Kait know of the change in plans (at Timbercreek, there’s minimal signal to get in touch with the outside world).

Needless to say, it was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Timbercreek Retreat House is a spiritual retreat center, that has been instrumental in my life in so many phases. I first experienced the magic while studying for my Step 3 board exams 9 years ago. The weekend before the “big test” I stayed in the quiet basement room that was the same as the one this month. I spent time reviewing questions, studying the harder concepts, while being nurtured, cared for and loved by strangers. A wife and mom, and new doctor, I was really not used to being taken care of. 

After that weekend, I did not study on Monday, took the test onTuesday and found out I had gotten one of the highest scores my residency program had seen in a long time. I credit the peace and ease provided there. 

I have been trying to get back annually. interrupted only by covid era shut-downs. I was blessed that Tom was willing to come to our home and perform the wedding ceremony when I married Jason. He is a special man, with such deep love and concern for those he encounters in all walks of life, and stood in for us when we visited there the year before our marriage. He sat us down, discussed intentions and really showed interest in our spiritual connections.