My Why

I wanted to write this to explain a bit about “my why” for making the life-changing decision to add inn-keeper to my job description. A lot of people ask if this has always been a dream of mine. The answer is no. I never thought I would do this…ever! I was always on a defined path in medicine. I have never had to really think about “what to do with my life” since making the decision to go to medical school. Medical school, residency, fellowship, and then becoming a partner in my anesthesia group was my path. Those were my goals that I worked towards.

During this time, I also became a wife and a mother, and I moved back to Charlotte, NC to care for my aging parents. My life was busy, and I didn’t even really have time to think about what I was doing. Plus, I felt like it was selfish to think about myself. I had too many other things and other people to worry about.

Then, everything came to a screeching halt on April 2, 2021. I got the phone call that my mother had died. It was completely unexpected. I had just talked to her the night before. I had just seen her at my daughter’s gymnastics class three days before, where she would often come to squeeze in a visit during our hectic weeks. Now, she was gone without any warning. In that moment, even though I work in a hospital every day, it really hit me that life is fleeting. We are not guaranteed any amount of time, and it is up to us to make what we want of the time we have.

This is the reason I made the decision to buy an inn. It may seem a little dramatic :) Obviously, I am so blessed to even be able to consider doing this; but I wanted to do something that filled my soul with happiness and hope–and that honored my mother. It’s a place where people get together to have fun, to celebrate life events, and to enjoy the company of the people around them. This is still a work in progress. Now, I do have dreams of making The Inn at Little Pond Farm a place where people can come to fill their souls as well.

I’ve had so many amazing people come into my life as a result of this decision–people I would have never known without the Inn. I have realized it is bigger than me. It is a community, and I hope to build this community over time and to enrich the community around me. I hope that one day I can host retreats for all kinds of groups, including mothers and daughters.

So, Happy Mother’s Day to my mama and all the ladies out there who take care of anyone or anything! You are in my heart today and everyday!

Love, Karen