Healing Power of Nature

 In News

Over the next two months, Marci will share some of her journal entries from twenty-five years ago and explore how respite impacted her and Pete’s lives together, quietly strengthening them to accept his passing, love more profoundly in the face of death, and ultimately live life with meaning, purpose and passion.

When Pete talked about respite during his cancer journey, he knew exactly what he wanted and needed – to feel human again. It wasn’t about finding a cure but about healing from the inside out, letting his light shine even in the face of mortality.

Pete found healing power in the simplicity of nature. 

After his diagnosis, during the grueling cycle of a week on inpatient and two weeks off chemo regimen, Pete cherished our car rides through Bucks County, north of our home in Doylestown. He would roll down the car window, breathe in deeply, close his eyes, and smile. When he opened his eyes, he would stare at tree after tree, remarking about the vibrant colors of fall that painted a beautiful portrait across the countryside.  He would recline his seat just enough and put his head back, peering out the window to capture every glimpse of the magnificent canopy.  Those majestic trees create a sense of presence, and Pete cherished being present every day he had left.

On those early rides, we never had a destination.  We would allow the outside to dictate our next move – which turn to take – which tree to follow.  This approach mirrored our experience with his cancer journey – constantly questioning the next steps, wondering if a drug was working, or if an injection would ease the pain. It was a profound shift from being in control to becoming a passenger in the journey of life, with the finish line uncertain and cancer at the wheel—a difficult reality to grasp. This crucial part of Pete’s cancer journey inspired an essential element of what would become our respite program.

Today, the Respite Experience that our FPS Families embark on at Woodloch Resort, a beautiful and serene destination in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, embodies the essence of what Pete cherished. This trip offers them the same opportunity that Pete and I once had to connect with nature. The peaceful drive through a landscape of lush trees, majestic mountains, and a tranquil lake provides a moment to breathe and escape the shadows of illness. Nature allows families to embrace the path ahead, find solace in stillness and release the need for control. Just as Pete and I found healing in the embrace of nature during his cancer journey, I believe others can find comfort and strength in its quiet beauty.

As we reflect on a quarter-century of For Pete’s Sake, we are reminded that our mission goes beyond providing a break from the daily struggle of illness. It’s about offering a space for renewal. Pete’s vision of respite was about more than just a physical escape; it was about creating moments of joy, peace and connection that transcend the challenges of life-threatening illness. By providing these transformative experiences, we honor Pete’s legacy and reaffirm our commitment to supporting families through their toughest times. With the healing power of nature and the comfort of community, we help our families rediscover their humanity and strength, just as Pete did.

Stay tuned for more.