The Traveling Pig

Want to run away? Wanna’ escape and just forget about all your worries? Wanna’ leave your troubles behind? Well, who doesn’t and why not?
Today I took a trip to days gone by and visited the small town of Edenton where historic homes are adorned with fresh cut holly, fir, spruce, and Christmas bows. I ran away to a place where fireplaces show the use for cooking and heating. Where outback of the home was the barn, the garden area, the flowers used in home remedies, and to make the room cheerful and scented. Sound good to you?
Today I took a day off work to travel with friends. We made our way into Edenton and found a spot that served us scrumptious food with hospitality and kindness. Offering a place to rest and acquaint with others traveling along with us. We gathered around tables with food prepared for us and as we rested, we shared, ate, and were restored.
It was a great day to sit and relax with others who know of some of the feelings we experience. We shared of our worries and fears, of our losses and struggles, and of our hopes and dreams. We made new acquaintances and found that our dreams were in sight! We roamed through the rooms admiring the feel of each; blue airy and relaxing, yellow with brightness and beauty, dark woods giving warmth and strength, and sunlight spilling into windows overlooking grounds of green grass and small town streets.
Upon our arrival we walked through the foyer into the community room where there standing to one side was a statue made from papier-mâché’ forms. We were all intrigued with this statue and the guest told us of “the traveling pig” story. The traveling pig had been with the owner upon his adventures from one location to another offering presence to each business or home he entered. We laughed at the idea of moving this large and apparently heavy pig to each location, finding the perfect spot to sit his walking stick and a place to rest his hand in which he carried a bottle. “What a great idea,” I thought, “to take that special find all along the way.”
Upon our trip home, tired from walking, talking, and looking I reminisced of the conversation that took place realizing just how healing it had been for us as we communicated with one another. Allowing ourselves to “run away” and be transformed from what had become ordinary to something more; exactly what we were looking for and didn’t know how to get it or what to ask for. We had been restored. Yes, restored in body, in mind, in spirit, and in hope. Often while going through grief we loose focus of who we are, where we are going, and what we are to do. Focus can easily become the grief itself if we aren’t careful and we will become overwhelmed, like a traveler without a plan. I smiled as I thought of “the traveling pig” and realized that’s what we all are -- travelers. We are tired and needing a place of restoration. Whether we walk with a stick, a limp, or a cane, we walk and with one step forward move from one place to another. Whether we hold a bottle, a letter, a photo, or an angry spirit, we finally allow our hand to rest and drop that coping mechanism to allow full healing so with hands empty we are ready to grasp the new adventures.
So, where was I you may be wondering? The Pack House Bed and Breakfast. The next time you’re in Edenton, N.C. stop in, take a seat, and look for the “traveling pig”. By all means relax and restore. Tell them Joy told you about it. He may even let you roam through his rooms to find the one that speaks to you.