I return to work this morning feeling as if I have had six weeks
of leave when really, all I've had is one night away!
One night away from the girls, from the usual routine, from
chemo and bactrim, from early morning wake ups and early evening
renditions of Advance Australia Fair. One night and two days of
purely exhausting relaxation.
The Camp Quality Parent's Retreat was, in one word, bliss.
Our morning at Geranium House set the scene for a weekend of
indulgence as we were pampered from head to toe and cocooned in the
warm, comforting care of Sue and her staff. It was an unforgettable
experience, not only for us but also for Sue who admitted that
Wayne was the most ticklish client she had experienced in all her
20 years of massage!
Schonegg was the perfect setting for the retreat. Our room was
luxuriously comfortable and the property was so very quiet and
picturesque. The hosts and staff were consistently friendly and
helpful and able to meet our every whim and fancy. The food, oh the
food! I don't know how they do what they do but they should never
change a thing. We ate until we were stuffed but somehow I still
managed to fit in blueberry pancakes for breakfast! Believe me,
they were well worth the extra notch on my belt.
Our afternoon at Shaw surpassed my expectations. The property
was serene and simply beautiful with sheep grazing and vineyards
stretching out into the distance. I was already a fan of the Shaw
wine range, having had a case or two of the Laughter Series, but
I'm now a Shaw devotee and will be returning for that wood fired
pizza again and again. Once again, the staff were fantastic and we
gorged on delicious pizza, pasta and gnocchi for what seemed like
hours, while they rushed about meeting our every need. Along with
the wine and the food, the mums thoroughly enjoyed some gift store
shopping, making the most of the childfree time and poring over the
array of oils, vinegars and other gourmet goodies.
Aside from the pampering and nourishing comfort, we enjoyed our
time with the other Camp Quality parents. We caught up with some we
hadn't seen since our days in Sydney and met some new friendly
faces. Over great food and late night wines, we shared many stories
and so many laughs. It was comforting to know that though we'd
never have chosen this path, we are not alone and are now part of a
vast community of wonderful people, all trying to get through some
very hard times. Without Camp Quality and weekends like this, I
don't know that we'd ever really appreciate this strange little
family or form the bonds that we now have.
For us, the Parent's Retreat was also a bit like a relationship
overhaul. We really were forced to retreat, from the usual stresses
and strains, and just enjoy each other... something we've not done
in over two years. I think I speak for all the couples when I say
that we headed home feeling more connected and refreshed than we
had ever been. While we missed our gorgeous girls and called home
many more times than I thought we might, we needed this. We needed
the time and the space to reflect on what we've experienced as a
couple and re-familiarise ourselves with our strengths, gearing up
for whatever lies ahead.
For all this and more I would like to both thank and
congratulate you for a perfectly orchestrated weekend. Every aspect
of the weekend was absolutely perfect. There was not one hiccup,
nor issue, nor complaint. We were all blissfully unaware of any
issues or concerns or stresses or strains, and of the efforts you
and others went to to make this a possibility.
We feel incredibly lucky and will all be eternally grateful to
Camp Quality for making things like this happen and we hope that
other parents in our position will get to experience such amazing
weekends in future.
Thank you.
Tamie Sebbens
(along with Wayne, Anabella and Sophie)