A place of support and healing

0

To the Editor:

Trip Barnes gave me this advice when I realized I was going to live here, “Every week read the entire MV Times.”

I read the letters and reflect on my own experience, as I read that of those around me. I do not want to allow another first of the year to pass to express these sentiments.

In July 2010, I originally came here for a rest, a much needed break, with no intention of moving here, having visited before I knew this was a special place, but never imagined I could actually live here, I was at a crossroads in my life and upon arrival, driving past Nip ‘n Tuck Farm with my two-year-old in the back, had this feeling of relief.

I didn’t know anyone here when I first arrived. For years I had been living up to expectations that were not my own, always feeling tossed in the wind. I have always been very responsible and proud of that, but thinking that being responsible meant sacrificing everything I ever wanted or thought I wanted. This Island brought healing, clarity and purpose to my life. I felt distanced enough from what I wanted a break from to realize there had to be another way, a better way to live, achieve my goals, live my dreams and still do what I had to do for my family.

Each kindness from people here has brought me more healing to my heart than I have ever experienced, no medication or therapy could achieve. It started with a rented room for a few weeks. Then Trip was kind enough to help me move, not once, but twice. Then I got the responsibility of caring for my 81-year-old great aunt, with no idea how to care for a senior. The Oak Bluffs and Edgartown senior centers and Kathy Rose have helped train and teach me how.

More generally, this community and its kindness go above and beyond mention. My heart is filled daily with gratitude for all of you and for the Island, its beauty and healing. I couldn’t have made it here today without you. You helped me become alive again and start living.

Esther Laiacona

Edgartown