First off, let me say that I hope you all had a happy and turkey-filled holiday last week. Hopefully there are still some leftover turkey & cranberry sauce sandwiches and slices of pie for us to enjoy! This time of year near Thanksgiving always makes me think of family, of seeing loves ones and of gathering to share each others’ company.
Brother and sister bonding while playing with the mini burros.
The significance of family is always very celebrated at TRR- both in the families that come to stay at the Ranch and in the family tradition that Megan and Scott and their children carry on in running the Ranch. (As an aside for those who are reading this prior to a visit to the Ranch, Megan & Scott are second-generation owners of TRR, having purchased it from Megan’s parents. All in all, it has been treasured in their family for over 40 years!) The fact that TRR has been family-owned and operated for such a great period of time means that the value of family is imbued in all that the Ranch has to offer. From making sure that guests feel that their cabin is truly their home for the week to having a flexible schedule of activities that allow for family bonding time, in and out of the saddle, TRR focuses on allowing families to reconnect with each other, strengthen their relationships, and form new ones- making friends and becoming part of the larger TRR family.
Some of my favorite moments I was so lucky to assist with and share in on the Ranch revolve around the beauty of families simply sharing time together, in whatever way is best for them. For instance, one afternoon, I came around a corner by a cabin and saw a mother and her youngest son curled p on a porch swing, cuddled under a quilt, reading one of their favorite books aloud. Seeing that quiet, loving moment showed me how the relaxed, family-focused environment at TRR can create an opportunity for simple moments of happiness.
Family time at the Rodeo with all the cousins, sisters and brothers, grandkids and grandparents.
On a larger scale, family reunions are another great time to see the bonds and friendships of a family renewed. Either our Pueblo House or a group of cabins on the Upper Ranch provide great accommodations for larger groups- including extended families and friends. One of my best memories from the summer was a very special dinner that I was fortunate enough to enjoy with a large extended family. They had come together from all corners of the nation and the globe to spend their summer vacation together. Friday night rolled around, and it was to be their first Shabbat dinner they had all shared in many years- and the very first Shabbat with all of them together since some of the young cousins had been born. After saying the blessing over the challah bread and wine, they passed the challah around the table. Watching each family member take a piece, even the very youngest, I was struck by the strong connection felt between them. They toasted to being together as a family, and I found myself coming to the realization that this vacation was not just a time for them to relax and get some R&R- rather, they were here as a family to reconnect and to appreciate each other.
This family connection is at the core throughout the entire TRR experience. As we share Thanksgiving, and as more holidays approach, I’ll be reflecting on the family bonding and the sharing of love that TRR inspires, and I’ll be bringing it into my own life, as I hope you will, too. Here’s to a great holiday season filled with love and family!
