Psalm 23: A RiCaL Retreat
Psalm 23; The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me
to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me besides the still waters. He
restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths if righteousness for his
name's sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I shall fear no evil: for Thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of
mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I
will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I believe for cancer survivors, like very few other groups, these words mean so much to them. They have walked through the valley of cancer, and it is a fearful place. Through faith, love, modern medicine and ancient practices, a tough of nature and quiet meditation, we (as I am a cancer survivor, and at the moment a cancer warrior) find our way though the valley. The RiCaL (which stands for Rich and Carol Lewis) Retreat has been a dream of mine for many years.
The Plan
My wish is to create a place where those finishing treatment can come to find those green pastures and restful waters (of course I need to win a lottery first). I would choose a location, set up a housing system, and provide a place for those to wind down after the rigors of treatment.
Location
I would probably choose somewhere along the Oregon coast. The reasons would be many. The climate is one where people could come year round. I would like to have a water access on the retreat, wither to a lake or to the ocean. There is such a calming effect of water. I would want a forested area, where people could walk quiet paths and enjoy nature. I would also like to make a large garden area, with fountains, etc, as a quiet meditation center and for people to take peaceful walks. Of course I know that buying such a place would be very expensive.
Lodging
I would want to build a central lodge, with rooms, a restaurant, gift shop, etc. I would also like to have a number of independent cabin type facilities for those who want to be alone with them selves or family members on a more personal level. Of course there would have to be some housing for my family and other staff members (depending on location and what is available in the vicinity.
Activities
I would like to have an activity director to set up games and activities. Things like sand volleyball (for family members with the energy), maybe painting activities, activities for kids which would allow parents to take quiet walks, etc.
I would offer support sessions for cancer survivors and families, mainly to discuss some of the issues that take place after therapy has ended. For example, many cancer patients suffer a lot of anxiety when treatment ends and they no longer have the safety net of treatment to keep away the cancer. I am a counselor, and have 15 years of cancer experience and feel confident this would be an area where I could really contribute.
I would like t have horses. I think the idea of a horseback ride appeals to so many people and for many is exciting and relaxing. This of course would necessitate the need for stables, corrals and staff.
If located near a lake, swimming and canoeing. If located near the ocean, swimming and maybe some kind of sailing. Of course the possibility of fishing in both places.
Staff
There would be a need for a number of staff persons. I am not talking about a mini-retreat, but somewhere that 10-20 families could visit at one time. We would need a Financial Manager & Accountant, Family Activities Director, Lodge Manager and probably an Assistant Director of the Retreat.
We would of course need several people to care for the horses and take people on rides. We would need lifeguards, canoe or sailing instructors, maid service, people to work the lodge, someone for grounds keeping. I would also want a number of employees to be EMT trained. It would be a big endeavor.
Choosing People to Attend
As mentioned, the retreat would be for people "on the mend" It would not be for people who require medical attention, who are still to weak and might require medical attention. It would not be a hospice. It would be a place for people who know they are finishing treatment, to make arrangements for a couple of weeks after treatment has ended and they have regained strength and composure.
Of course the whose thing would be set up as a non-profit organization. Sponsors and donations would be sought. I would have people make an application for coming to the retreat for several reasons. Firsts, to reinforce that they need to be on the mend health wise. Second, I would like to make it so people pay according to their ability. I would like to have "scholarships" for families who cannot afford such a thing to still be able to come. Cancer treatment drains the finances, and I would not want the retreat to simply be a place for wealthy patients (who can come too but would need to pay) being the only ones who could visit.
SUMMARY
So that's the "I wish plan". That's what I would do if I won the lottery or some long lost cousin left me millions. I know there would be so much more planning needed, costs for insurance and employee benefits, and many other things on top of buying the land and building the retreat.
If you know a Bill Gates of know one, I would love to find a sponsor. I would not even be upset if someone took my idea and made it happen on their own. I just think it would be such a wonderful experience for those of use who needed a special break.
@RiCaL 2005