Solace Farms has been with me for over 25 years.  When I was in my twenties, I thought there should be a place on the Jersey Shore for people to hang out when the weather was bad and there wasn’t much to do.  I wanted to call it “Rainy Daze.”  It would be in a Victorian house that had several rooms with various games and puzzles and people would mingle and laugh together. 

 

As I transitioned into my late 30s and early 40s, my focus shifted dramatically, shaped by the experiences of motherhood. Juggling the responsibilities of raising my son and managing home often left me feeling guilty for wanting to take a break or indulge in my own passions, like reading a book. I realized that carving out time for myself, much like my decision to join a gym, was essential for my well-being. By investing in my own needs, I learned that I would be a better parent without the weight of guilt holding me back.

 

Unfortunately, no place like this existed. And I was burned out.

 

A time came and I knew that, sadly, my marriage was not healthy for my son and me. I had to make the difficult decision for us to leave. Fortunately, I had very good friends.  They opened their home to my son, Andrew, and me with no questions asked.  They gave us a home for 3 months and allowed me to rest, regroup, and plan.  They gave my son a place to play and feel like a “normal” kid while I figured out how to start over.  Simply put, we were given a sanctuary.   I could talk ideas out, laugh, and heal.  I had originally planned to go to a local shelter but they had no openings for us.  I often think about what our lives would have been like if that was the path we went down.  Having somewhere to go to feel safe, secure, and loved made all the difference. I was able to get on my feet quickly, went back to school, and was able to provide for myself and my son. 

 

 Now, with Covid-fatigue causing a real emotional impact, more than ever Solace Farms is needed as a place of healing for all those who attend.  It is more than a place to go do yoga, meditation, or even self-defense.  It is a place where someone can come in order to catch their breath, find the strength to face their situation at home, or feel they have something to offer another person.  It is a place to refill their own emotional bucket, and in the process, raise up another person that may be putting out their hand for help. 

 

 

Warmly,

Andrea