Guest Reflections

Peter’s Story

My story dates back some twenty years ago when a nun suggested that my wife Carolyn and I go on retreat at the Well of Mercy. Taking her suggestion, we booked our weekend retreat at
the Well.

Our hour drive from Oak Ridge was an opportunity to slow down and to enjoy the rural surroundings that we encountered… acres upon acres of farms growing corn, grazing cows, and even getting stuck behind a honey wagon – luckily for only a quarter of a mile. For the last two miles before entering Mercy Lane, we found ourselves on dirt roads and remarked to ourselves, “We are surrounded by acres of woods! Life does not seem to exist anywhere…” At the top of Mercy Lane, looking down at the Well’s Main House, we turned to each other instinctively and exclaimed that we were on holy ground. That feeling remains today, and my story only begins with that first drive up Mercy Lane…

We were greeted with a warm welcome by Julia as we entered the Main House, and soon after, by Sisters Donna and Brigid. That first encounter with them began a friendship that has remained for over 25 years.

It was during dinner on Saturday night that the course of our history at the Well changed. Sr. Donna and Sr. Brigid – who were always present at lunch and dinner – overheard my wife Carolyn mention that she would love to cook in a place such as the Well’s kitchen. We could not say enough of our weekend retreat as we left Sunday afternoon, commenting to the Sisters that we would return and once again be on holy ground.

That “someday” would soon arrive sooner than we imagined. A week later after leaving the Well, Carolyn received a phone call from Sr. Brigid asking if she would like to cook at the Well. Carolyn jumped at the invitation! We figured that one thing you should never entertain is to decline a request by a religious sister. We were correct, and that acceptance has always born fruit.

There was only one remaining question that Carolyn needed to ask Sr. Brigid; can she bring her Sous-chef? Guess who?

What began as a once-a-month weekend cooking routine (to give the Well’s full time cook a break) eventually led to cooking once a week. Our routine would start by preparing the night before, then traveling the next morning to arrive by 10am, and finally by having lunch ready by noon. Meal preparation for dinner started after lunch and was ready by 6pm. The day concluded after clean up with Carolyn and I on the road by 8pm for our hour trip back to Oak Ridge.

What began as a simple “yes” to cook once a month turned out to be a thirteen-year adventure where we joined the Well’s guests, staff, and Sisters during meals. It was during those sit-downs at lunch and dinner where we learned first-hand the personal stories that brought everyone to the Well.

Eventually came our time to retire, but our relationship with the Well’s staff has continued to this day. The Sisters are retired, and the Well’s current staff has new faces that continue the mission of the Well.

This Sous-chef remains grateful that his pottery craft remains part of the Well’s gift shop, and that he is invited to present spiritual presentations along with his Lenten chalice displays.

I encourage you to take the time to be present at the Well of Mercy.

Blessings,
Peter Strafaci…aka Sous-chef