Evening and Night 70 - Surprise!

It had been a wonderful day! I was not "in a hurry" to get to my final destination, as I would be camping. I'm thinking 'I will take my time',  and get there in time to pick up my supplies for the next day, find some dinner, review my detour route for the next day (60 meets the interstate), and then get some much-needed sleep.
I've made it into White Sulphur Springs, and heading up a hill/mountain (I'm not sure which term is proper?), my head is down, and I crest the top and there is a sign - with my name on it! How sweet, I'm thinking! I just had the nice experience in Lewisburg, and they are so kind, here, as well! But it was much more than that. Turns out, these two lovely people are Holly, who works at the Greenbriar, and Micki (and I didn't ask how to spell her name, I'm SO sorry!), who is Andrew Rose's mom. This is all very complex. They explain to me that I'll be staying at the Greenbriar, and I'm not sure what to make of all this. This is a elaborate plan, carefully executed, and perfectly done. It all started, I find out, with Jennifer Burgess (days ago!!), stopping to "meet me", but really scoping out my location - and my future plans! She's a sneaky one. Turns out she's Holly's aunt, who lives in that area I was in - many days back. The mastermind is Andrew (Andy) Rose. The connection he has with me is myriad. He's involved, remotely, with my husband's work. He lives in Richmond, VA, and his mom lives in the beautiful White Sulphur Springs. They put together a plan, that included all of them, to surprise me! And, they did it well!!
So, Mom (I'd like to call her), and Holly, direct me to the Resort. I do admit to not being familiar with the magnitude of The Greenbriar. Yet, I quickly realize it once I'm on the grounds. It's huge, beautiful, elegant, and amazing. I don't feel as if I belong. I'm dirty, pushing a cart, and once again, I'm the pink elephant (in the midst of all the regular grey elephants). I'm well received, and readily accepted as I am. In my real life, I would blend in, but not today. I meet several people on the way into the hotel, and am fascinated with the whole experience. They tell me my laundry will be done, and we'll go to dinner. Holly and Mom show me to my room, all the while I'm learning who they are and what they do. They say we'll meet downstairs at 7 pm for dinner.
I'm in my room, at the Greenbriar, wondering how this all happened. Thank you, Andrew, for allowing me to be here, be comfortable, relax, and see the beauty and experience the hospitality of The Greenbriar and West Virginia. The words, Thank You, really cannot express my gratitude. After 70 days, I'm in the most beautiful resort there is. How does that happen?
I shower, I send my laundry, as instructed, to be washed. And I ice my leg , and review my route for the next day. I will have to detour, due to US60 connecting with the interstate. Then I head downstairs for dinner. I see Holly, and we hop in the golf cart to go to the restaurant. There, we meet Mom, and go inside. The view at our table is beyond words. I'm sitting in front of The famous Greenbriar golf course (one of many, there). The view is astonishing. Holly is informing me of the history of the Greenbriar, the area, the casino, the golf courses, etc. There's SO much to learn and know, I will need to come back to fully experience it. I did meet their Historian, on the way into the restaurant. I can only imagine the knowledge he has in regards to all the history associated with the resort and area. Far more than I could "take in" in my short stay.
As we enjoy the view, we order dinner, and continue our conversation. Holly knows so much about the Greenbriar, I could listen to her for days. She's very calm, sweet, and knowledgeable. The Greenbriar is lucky to have her! Mom, is kind, inquisitive, and caring. She has many questions for me, and I'm happy to answer them. As we are enjoying our meal and conversation, Travis, the Physical Therapist for The Greenbriar, has come to check out my shin. We go through a series of tests, and ultimately, he puts a cold compress device on my leg. It feels spectacular. The intense cold will help with the swelling. Thank you, Travis, for all you did. I really appreciate it more than you know. And thank you, Andrew, for allowing PT to check my leg. That was way more than I could ever expect.
We continue our dinner and conversation, then it time for everyone to head home. I say goodbye to both Mom, and Holly. I will leave around 6:30am, so I will not see them again. Thank you, thank you for everything!!!! All your hard work, and commitment to making my stay here is priceless. I could never have imagined something like this occurring.
I went back to my beautiful room, and upon Holly's suggestion, decided on room service for dessert (I did end up getting the choc cake!! Amazing!!), and then requested coffee and a banana for breakfast. They have much more here for breakfast, but I will have that next time.
I cannot put into words what this has meant to me. I'm not able to write everything as like to, as I have much more to express about this experience. I will settle with summing it all up, due to my lack of time - and space.
Thank you, Andrew, for making my stay in White Sulphur Springs something I will never forget. Thank you, Mom, for representing Andrew, and being so kind to me. Thank you, Holly, for all your hard work to make this all happen. I enjoyed meeting you both, and appreciate all you did for me.
Words cannot express how grateful I am. Thank you for a experience I will never forget.....on Day 70.
Cyndi