Last month I had the honour and privilege of meeting a wonderful and courageous soul whose deepest desire is to make a difference in the world.
A difference in the lives of people; young people in particular who are living with the painful consequences of trauma. A life she herself, lived and triumphed over.
Her dream was to spend her retirement working on the front lines, through Covenant House in Vancouver. That was before a rare mast cell disease stripped her of that dream.
Claire Hitchon is a Nanaimo-based author in the final stages of an incurable disease.
Claire reached out to me by email, sharing her love for horses and her long held desire to visit us here at Wisteria Acres. Unbeknownst to me, she has followed our journey for some time and had hoped to attend one of our retreats. Sadly, it’s become too late as Claire is no longer well enough to travel. But having read about our new Romeo’s Dream Community Outreach Program, she knew that we could support her in her legacy of sharing hope and inspiration.
Claire’s two memoires, “Finding Heart Horse” and “The Wall of Secrets” chronicle her life through adoption, childhood trauma, street-life, destructive relationships, addiction, prison and ultimately reclaiming her life and becoming a Registered Nurse. Books that she hopes will serve as inspiration to others, offering hope for a better tomorrow.
Claire’s first book, “Finding Heart Horse” has been recognized by publishing giant, Hay House in the US, when it won first prize in their writing contest, in the non-fiction category.
Claire generously wanted to donate her books to organizations she feels is making a difference in the world, and has donated 200 of her books to our Romeo’s Dream Community Outreach Program!
And I had the honour of sharing Claire’s story and her books with an amazing group of women from the John Volken Academy who visited us for the second time on September 22nd for a day of connecting with horses.
Through these divinely inspired connections I am reminded that our lives are truly a living legacy. When we embrace our greatest challenges and create authentically from that place, we inspire others.
Thank you Claire, for sharing your indomitable spirit through your writings. And for finding inspiration in our Romeo’s Dream Community Outreach Program. Together we will inspire many!
And thank you to the brave women from the John Volken Academy who continue to inspire us with your courage to embrace your greatest challenges. I can’t wait to see what you create!
If you would like to purchase Claire’s books, Finding Heart Horse ($16 + shipping) and The Wall of Secrets ($16 + shipping) with all proceeds going to Romeo’s Dream Community Outreach Program contact me at info@wisteriaacres.com
Here is what others are saying ~
“Finding Heart Horse” is simply an unforgettable story.”
“It amazes me how one person can endure so much pain and heartache and continues to live, achieve, succeed. Couldn’t put the book down.”
“Excellent read. Captivating from the first chapter. Pure heart and soul went into this book.”
“Every now and then a book comes into our life that is a “MUST READ.”
“These are gripping books you just cannot put down.”
Romeo’s Dream Adult Community Outreach Program was created in memory of my heart-horse, Romeo (2003 – 2019).
Romeo loved people!
One of his greatest gifts was spreading joy and laughter to anyone who came his way.
Through the Romeo’s Dream program we are continuing his legacy of LOVE, JOY & LAUGHTER by creating opportunities for those in need to experience the wisdom of horses.