Healing is Nurtured by Nature at Acres of Hope & Aspirations

In reflection of the upcoming September 11, we must take time to reflect and remember the sad and tragic day of September 11, 2001. For that day will forever be embedded in every American’s memory of the lost of life and of the fallen heroes who sacrificed to save others only to be killed by acts of terrorism. Where were all of us when the world stopped turning? Most, if not all will not forget that day that earmarked history.

The events of September 11 eventually lead to the Iraq War and called upon many more men & women to serve our country. And with every war comes more injury, disability & death. Since September 11, 2001, more than 1.65 million U.S. service members have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. More than 35,000 service members have been physically wounded; an estimated 320,000 have sustained traumatic brain injuries; and more than 300,000 have psychological wounds.

Dedication to serving our country is an act of heroism that should be recognized by all that live in the United States of America. We must remember and commend the men and women who serve our country. The sacrifices and struggles they make. I am thankful for my father, grandfather, uncles and cousins who served in the armed forces. These brave men and women are the real heroes who make us all want to be better people on the home front.

Often, patients lose everything in their lives they know because of the severe consequences and complications of a traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries occur in all walks of life. A brain injury is a silent epidemic & occurs every 19 seconds. A patient goes through extensive medical care from the time of the initial injury all the way through recovery. The recovery process is very traumatic for families not knowing if their loved one will live or die or be normal again. Patients can suffer from further complications leading to escalating costs for depression, AODA issues & medical setbacks. As they attempt to recover from a catastrophic injury, much of the healthcare systems risks becoming fragmented and very costly without advocacy.

A nurse needs to embrace every moment to make a difference in lives and provide excellent and compassionate care. Advocacy & compassion are keys ingredients that revitalize the caring spirit. An effective rehab nurse can navigate a journey of acceptance and hope by embracing the hope & empowering the potential. Sometimes we can recognize a need and take risks and be the change we want to see in the world. “Jump and spread our nurturing wings on the way down”. An unknown author once wrote “Excellence can be attained if we do care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical and expect more than others think is possible”.

As a young girl who grew up on a beef farm in rural Chaseburg, Wisconsin owned by parents Allen & Sharon Twinde, this RN always had a dream to be a nurse and used to make the corn crib up as a make believe hospital and take care of my “first patients---farm animals”. The country roots definitely lead to nurturing wings. Wings that spread into a passion about patients. Raised on country sunshine is where it all began for nurturing wings.

The nurturing nature healing concept is present at Acres of Hope & Aspirations Where Healing is Nurtured by Nature featuring Gardens of Hope & Creatures of Rehab.

School aged children are inspired and are volunteering to build "Gardens of Hope". "Creatures of Rehab" include pet deer, miniature donkeys & pony, ducks, geese, chickens, kitties, dogs, and tortoises. Nature soothes the soul. The animals assist in rehab, love and support and the gardens provide serenity, comfort and warmth to patients. Some of the animals themselves have disabilities in which patients can truly relate and understand. In addition, Restoration of Abilities & Achievements needs to make One Proud as a Peacock so the farm has nine peacocks.

Acres of Hope & Aspiration is a dynamic enriched environment where ordinary rehab becomes Extra Ordinary. (A)bilities, (C)haracter, (R)estoration, (E)mpowerment &

(S)trength are rehab goals. Hope is embraced & enhanced with the therapeutic tools of nature including Gardens of Hope & Creatures of Rehab.

Creative care management interventions are utilized to help patients overcome struggles & restore hopefulness from hopelessness. There is truly no place like home for recovery. Nature nurtures the healing process, stimulates hope & provides an alternative to traditional hospital/clinic rehab setting. Animal assisted therapy is a supplement to the daily treatment regime. The warm home/farm environment has nature abundant including animal themed treatment rooms which provides inspiration & motivation for client/family satisfaction & successful rehab outcomes. Seeds of Hope grow into Strength as Solid as an Oak.

My parents will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary on September 8, 2010. I will forever be grateful to the gift of country life they introduced me to and inspired me to embrace. When the world says “Give Up”, Hope whispers to me “Try it One More Time, this patient needs it.”

A future Wounded Warriors event will be planned to help soldiers. For further information about Acres of Hope & Aspirations or volunteer opportunities or donations, please email acreshope@yahoo.com. For more info about brain injury, please review website: lisakalberte.com.