My perfect summer vacation

I didn’t go to Bermuda or Lyford Cay in Nassau this summer. I’ve had wonderful vacations in both of those locations, but this summer I was busy taking care of my daughter while she was being treated for breast cancer and I had limited time for trips.

This summer I found another location that was the perfect vacation spot for me. When I needed a change of location and some time to renew myself, I went outside in my backyard and sat where I could feel a breeze and see the six trees I planted after my mother died. Sometimes, especially when the Dallas temperatures were 100 or higher, I sat for only a few minutes. Sometimes I sat much longer, quietly watching our three dogs play.

I always left my vacation spot feeling renewed and refreshed.

I was happy for my friends who went to more exotic locations. I wanted to be in Dallas this summer taking care of my daughter. But, I’ve learned that, no matter what I’m doing or how busy I am, I need to take frequent mini-vacations—in the summer and throughout the rest of the year, too.

–Fayteen