not a winner

I heard about this strange contest to write an essay and win a country inn in Maine.  I entered.  I didn't win.  I was dreaming about what it may be like to win Center Lovell Inn  and I wrote a brilliant short (could only be 200 words) essay.  The winner was called last Saturday, and it was not me! 

I thought long and hard for a month about our family and how we travel and where we go.  I thought about where my son always wants to go.  The places that feel good and fun and safe to him.  I can list them very quickly... He LOVES my parents ranch.  The freedom, quiet, dirt, ponds, cows... isolation from society.  He also LOVES the beach.  We visit an area that is in the gulf and it is quiet, not very touristy, simple.  He loves the crashing waves, sand and the long hours in the brilliant sun and water.  He also enjoyed the trip up into the mountains and removing ourselves from the hub bub of people and getting in the creeks, hills and dirt. 

For our family, travel is challenging at best.  It becomes a safety issue when he can unlock doors and leave the room.  The noise of crowds and masses of people are not calm or relaxing.  Attempting to eat in restaurants is overwhelming.  Sights, smells and sounds in hotels are over stimulating.  Needless to say, it is challenging to plan and take a vacation. 

So given what I know about our family and travel, I thought owning an Inn on several acres that I could offer a quiet retreat for families but with the near activities and entertainment would be a cool dream.   A place that would boast elegance and acceptance.  Alas... I was not selected as the winner ...... Here is what I wrote anyway....

Imagine traveling with a child who can reach the locks and escapes a typical hotel room and disappears.  Imagine quickly eating each meal in a busy restaurant full of blaring televisions and crowds while your over stimulated child tries to hold it together.  Imagine getting your child ready for an adventure that is crowded and not having a safe and quiet place to quickly return to.  It makes what could be a great vacation exhausting.  These are some of the reasons families like mine, who have special needs children, do not travel. 

We search for that one special place that can offer our family secure modern accommodations, outdoor activities that are close by, freedom to explore and try new things and quiet moments to make lasting memories. 

By operating a country inn I could offer an amazing vacation retreat to all families and especially those with differently abled children.  I want to take what I know about traveling with a special needs child and create a safe oasis to enjoy a spacious retreat with access to outdoor activities, animals, meals in a comfortable environment, an open and engaging art studio, and peace of mind that their family is safe.  
 
 

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