Loving Gertrude
poem sent to us from Duneswood guests Sandy and Sue,
October 05

We looked forward to our trip "Up North":
A woman's sanctuary.
We needed respite from the stress of the past months.
We didn't know what to expect, but anticipated a time of renewal.

It felt right from the moment we arrived:
Tammy was so friendly and helpful,
Grace was a delight.
Walking into Gertrudes was a homecoming:
We loved the old pictures, the booklet that told us about the woman in the picture frame; and about the women who had created this special place.
Later, comparing notes, we discovered that both of our Grandmothers had been named Gertrude.

So when did we fall in love with Gertrude?
When did her sweet secuction begin?
Was it the festive beads nestled upon her bosom?
Or when we explored further; her comfort and restful presence?
Was it when we drank in her sun-dappled woods,
Slept in the quiet comfort of her arms
and found peace and renewal?

Daily we learned more of her gifts of woman-space.
Explored her mystical beauty.
Our love and delight growing with each moment shared; to know her more intimately.

Unquestionably, we loved Gertrude from the first moment we met.
Our love growing stronger with each passing day.
She will always have a special place in our hearts.
And we are deeply grateful to all who brought her to life, endowed her with her sweet charm and then shared her bounty with us.