Making Friends with a Goose

Well the summer is drawing to a close.  Soon the leaves will begin to change colors, the temperature will drop, and I will start my third year of college!  This is very hard for me to believe.  And thus my time here at the Tourism bureau is also drawing to a close.  I have worked here on and off during school breaks for the past couple of years and what an experience it has been!  This may or may not be my last summer as an intern at the bureau.  I do not regret my time spent here, but I am definitely looking forward to what’s in store for me in my future. 

For my last blog I asked our followers on Facebook to comment one place in Richmond that they would like me to visit.  The majority said to go to Glen Miller Park and the Rose Garden.  I was really dreading that option.  I found out this summer the full extent of my allergies.  I’m allergic to 8 different types of trees, 3 grasses, dogs, cats, dust, mold, ragweed, cockroaches, horses, the list could go on for a while.  But, I took my allergy pill and braved it!  And I’m so grateful that I did.

I drove past the Rose Garden, but for fear that my allergy pill hadn't kicked in yet I decided to skip that.  I took my lunch down by the pond and sat there for an entire hour instead.  All the stress I’ve been feeling for the past few weeks just evaporated.  It was peaceful in my soul.  I didn’t realize just sitting and listening to the sounds of the birds and water falling from the fountain could stop all the thoughts running through my head.  It didn’t matter anymore that I had been to the financial aid office 4 times in the past week, or that all my books hadn’t been purchased for my classes yet, or that I’m physically exhausted from working two jobs.  It was like I had a little epiphany that everything is truly going to be alright.



My goose friend!



The best part of the trip is that I made friends with a goose!  Well…I’d like to think he stuck around to be my friend, but I really think he just wanted half of my sandwich.  I gave a few pieces of my bread, and he stayed by me for the whole hour!  What a loyal goose! 

If you wanted to go down and experience it for yourself you don’t have to sit by the pond like I did.  You could release your inner child and hang out on the playground, or stroll through the Rose Garden, or just walk around.  Whatever you decide, I’m sure it will bring peace to you as well! 

Thank you Facebook followers for suggesting such a relaxing little getaway!  I might even take my books and study in my little peaceful spot this semester!  That is…until it gets cold anyway!  Catch you later Richmond!  It’s been real.

Brooke is a junior at Indiana University East, studying Nursing. She works at Reid Hospital & Health Care Services in the Food & Nutrition Department; and, also at the Richmond/Wayne County Tourism Bureau.  She enjoys spending time with friends and family and exploring the great outdoors.