July 18-20, 2025 Respite Retreat Summary

Author: Respite Retreat Guest
September 23, 2025
A Respite Remembered (written by our respite retreat guest)
Oxygen, in part, is defined as the “life supporting component of the air.” Spiritually speaking, it is that which gives life to the spirit, the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. And while breathing is usually involuntary and we do it without thinking, we can sometimes take oxygen for granted. But when your breath is excruciatingly ripped from your lungs, you notice its absence instantly.
The death of our only child took our breath away. We felt like we were being held under water! It left us gasping for air. Through the guidance of a beautiful, caring soul, we were led to the Living Hope Mountain Respite website. It is nothing short of a true miracle from God that my therapist connected us with Rich and Kelly and their ministry from across the country! Distance didn’t get in the way of God’s plan!
While there, surrounded by the elegant, majestic Colorado mountains, we took our first breath in a very, very long time.
Rich and Kelly are God‘s hands and feet on this earth and are working in unison with Him, to bring comfort where there is sorrow; gentle guidance and direction where there is chaos; compassion and love where there is isolation and LIVING HOPE where there is despair. From the moment we met Rich and Kelly we felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. The connection was instant, effortless and comfortable. The weekend felt so perfectly orchestrated and purposefully planned out, but then again, somehow, it also felt very organic and natural. The time spent in prayer and community with them and God, allowed us to share fellowship, great food, the beautiful outdoors, and was a true respite from our very painful reality. We were able to laugh, cry and just breathe… together… as a couple. We were gently guided towards each other in our grief, to be a lifeline and anchor for each other by seeking the truth in God’s word.
The Living Hope Mountain Respite is more than just a place to enjoy God’s beautiful creation, it is a place to find hope…and to take a deep breath!
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