My mom named it after a visit

The first time I saw Woodhaven’s backyard, I imagined it filled with kids. Not my kids, just kids. Running around, laughing, playing tag, chasing after a ball, throwing a Frisbee. It was an odd vision for someone whose radar rarely picks up children. And yet, about a year later, the vision came true. During a summer BBQ, I looked up from arranging salads and saw a bunch of my friends’ and cousins’ kids happily running around in our sprinklers and playing croquet. I smiled to myself, knowing that I was on the right track.

It’s an unexpected feeling, and one that I never felt about our first house, but somewhere along the line it has become clear to me that Rob and I are merely caretakers of this place we call Woodhaven. Although our names are on the deed and we pay the property taxes, I truly believe our home and setting are meant to be shared. And shared beyond the “come over for dinner” or “we’d love to have you visit for a few days” ways I was used to. Instead, it seems as though we are supposed to throw open our doors and blinds and hearts and welcome those who need a little respite. It actually feels like a responsibility, a duty to this land, and it is one that I am grateful and blessed to take on.

There is something restorative about these 5 acres. We have felt it ourselves and have been told of it by visitors. We breathe deeply here. We stop and appreciate the trees and the rain. We listen for the coyotes and the cows and the new perspectives that tap us on the shoulder. We drink tea and wine and chew on big thoughts and small changes.

A visitor recently thanked us during a big hug for providing a safe place to land for a few days. To me, there is no bigger compliment as a host. And as Woodhaven’s current stewards, there is no bigger confirmation that we are indeed on the right track.