No parent should ever outlive their child. There was no way to prepare for the loss of your child, and when it happened, no words or sentiments could ease the pain of your shattered heart or the myriad of other physical and emotional trauma.
We loved them before birth. We prioritized their health, well being and happiness. Then POOF! In an instant, the body we cherish became an empty vessel. The person we know in a way no one else can, and have a bond with that is incomprehensible to others is suddenly no longer here. It’s surreal, gut wrenching, and a huge piece of us leaves with them.
Each day we grieve differently, understanding other people have long grown tired of our tears, unexpected outbursts and ceaseless talking about our children in an effort to keep them alive. We try to be strong for our other kids, so we cry in the shower, while driving, and other times we are alone, trying to balance our pain and desperately clinging to memories. We ache for their touch, smile, laughter, and hugs in a way only a mother can.
Thank God for family and friends who do all they can to love and support us as we try to redefine who we are and why we’re still here. The feelings and emotions run so deeply no one can truly comprehend unless they, too, are in this exclusive club that simply shouldn’t exist.
Join me near Golden, Colorado to pay tribute to our children and support each other in our grief process. Whether you’re still raw with the newness or have decades under your belt, a mom’s love never fades. We need to talk about our children and to be heard. There are things you can only say to someone who has also lost a child. We will get to know each other, and our children, as we freely express our deepest thoughts, feelings and needs. We will celebrate who they were here to be with laughter, love, and tears.
The best way to honor our kids is to share them and give ourselves permission to continue our missions here. We will have a ceremony to release any feelings of guilt, regret, or anger, because goodness knows there’s no such thing as guilt-free parenting.
As we celebrate our kids, so must we respect ourselves and our inner children. Nothing centers and re-energizes like laughter. We will experience the amazing energy of affectionate and hilarious alpacas in their native surroundings. Experienced guides will lead our interactions in feeding and petting these entertaining sweethearts while educating us on their naturally hypoallergenic coats and other facts. Smiles, giggles and photo opps will be plentiful!
For additional self care, we will be pampered with healing sound therapy. Our practitioner will blend delicious Ayurvedic aromas with a Tibetan technique of sound treatment geared to balance nervous systems and heal brains from the trauma of loss. She will play hand crafted metal bowls in proximity to, and on the body, producing sounds that generate binaural beats to calm the brain and recover a natural state of balance, which promotes self-healing. Scheduling an additional massage is also an option.
We will stay between Denver and Golden, where the Rocky Mountains meet the Plains. Located in the Clear Creek Valley, surrounded by mesas and mountains, it’s a perfect place to bask in fresh air and sunshine. We’ll do just that as we explore the colorful rocks and famous amphitheater at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. With an elevation of 6,450 ft., rocks tilting as much as 90 degrees, and the monoliths named Creation Rock and Ship Rock, each taller than Niagara Falls, it’s understandable that the Red Rocks Amphitheatre was once listed among the Seven Wonders of the World!
Ingredients for a light self serve breakfast and lunch are provided based on your suggestions and requests. We may even want to pack a lunch to enjoy on an adventure in the red rocks!
A popular way to take in the Rocky Mountain atmosphere is with outdoor dining. Local restaurants offer rooftop or creekside seating overlooking the tumbling waters of Clear Creek. Patios line historic streets and sometimes it’s possible to enjoy views of downtown on one side and a mountainous landscape on the other. For dinners we can embrace the combination of small-town charm and renowned culinary quality or venture into Denver for an even larger variety of options.
After dinner we can choose to relax under a blanket of stars or lounge in the inviting softness of the living room. Maybe we’ll want to gather around the firepit to take the chill off and enjoy a glass of wine.
We will each retire to a peaceful, private room featuring a king or queen sized bed to reflect on the day and fully recharge for the next.
This retreat will allow you to openly share your sacred journey: blinding pain of loss, unfulfilled wishes, regrets, cherished memories, lingering hopes, and longing and aching for what no longer exists. Laughter, appreciation, and connection are fostered, because you know you’re in the company of others who fully understand. You will gain a broadened perspective of soul contracts, how the roles we play support each other, and how the infinite love of the Universe is at play even when we can’t see or feel it. You will have an expanded network to call upon for support when you get lost in another wave of grief or depression. You will leave knowing you have continued to support your child by sharing his or her passions and contributions, because that’s what moms do.
What’s Included:
Private room with king or queen bed in a house
Transportation to and from Denver Union Station (I suggest flying into Denver International Airport and taking the RTD Light Rail or SkyRide bus to Union Station for $10.
Ingredients for a light breakfast and lunch as appropriate
Transportation for our activities
Alpaca interaction
Sound therapy session
What’s NOT included:
Flight to Denver
Transportation to and from Denver Union Station from the airport
Nightly dinner at restaurants
Please Note:
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 secures your place.
We reserve the right to cancel if the minimum number of participants is not met, in which case your deposit will be refunded in full.
Please do not book nonrefundable flights until you receive an email stating the retreat has the minimum number of participants.
All monies paid are nonrefundable unless the event is cancelled by the host.