Discovering Love and Support at a Family Retreat
A Family Steps Up to the Challenge
Nearly two decades ago, Shirley was faced with one of the biggest choices of her life. Her granddaughter, Roseanne, needed a primary caregiver. Raising Roseanne would be a life-long commitment, and it would not be an easy one…
Roseanne suffered severe physical trauma as a child, sustaining multiple permanent brain injuries, which would add to the difficulty of caregiving. But, like countless grandparents around the U.S., Shirley stepped up to the challenge as a caregiver, afraid but determined.
Now Roseanne is in her thirties. Shirley has been there for her every step of the way, day after day and year after year. Thankfully, Roseanne and Shirley have never walked this journey alone. Roseanne’s aunt, Maxine, stepped up alongside Shirley, supporting both women as a secondary caregiver. When faced with a circumstance that could have torn them apart, the women bonded together, forming their own family unit.
The Search for Support
After serving as caregivers for so many years, Shirley and Maxine were used to hard work, and they loved caring for Roseanne. But even they needed some respite and encouragement. With Roseanne in her early thirties, they began searching for support.
That’s when Shirley, Maxine, and Roseanne heard about Joni and Friends Family Retreats. They decided to attend. And to their surprise, they found that there was a place for each person in their family!
Putting the “Family” in Family Retreat
The same heart of service that led Maxine to step up as a caregiver inspired her to join Family Retreat as a volunteer. As soon as she arrived, Maxine hit the ground running, always the first to notice and act if a job needed to be done. And even while serving, she felt restored by her experience, especially as she interacted with other volunteers:
“It was amazing to see how much love was being shown among strangers!” says Maxine.
As a guardian, Shirley enjoyed a week of rejuvenation and relaxation. Throughout the week, she loved frequenting the retreat center’s rocking chairs, spending hours enjoying the gentle sway and creak of the chair, taking in the scenic fields they overlooked.
“I have never been treated better in my life than how I was treated at Family Retreat,” says Shirley.
But the best part of her experience was letting go and watching Roseanne experience safe, fun belonging.
“I did not have to worry about my granddaughter. Her buddy was a stranger, but she made us feel welcome and loved. We were treated like queens! There was so much love, and I didn’t have to worry about Roseanne being mistreated. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves!”
Shirley
Roseanne, a long-time participant in a bowling group, loves to be around friends—so she thrived amid the social, fun-filled activities at Family Retreat. Throughout the week, she could be found crafting, building puzzles, or painting a large farm mural, section by section until she was finished. Although Roseanne was usually a quiet presence, her slight, ever-present grin testified to her joy.
“Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine!”
On the final night of Family Retreat, Roseanne graced the stage for the Nashville Family Retreat’s annual talent show, singing her favorite song: “This Little Light of Mine.” By the end, everyone in the room was singing along, punctuating her song with cheers and hand motions.
Roseanne let her light shine, and had a moment to shine, at Family Retreat. She, Maxine, and Shirley can’t wait to return next year to experience the love and joy of Family Retreat together!
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