Three weeks ago, I traveled this very road on my way home to Vermont. Towns in Central Vermont were celebrating the 250th anniversary of their charters. My mother played herself in a play about the history of our town (after much discussion, it was decided she was probably best for the role)!! Irene (don't call me JUST a tropical storm) was an unexpected and rude guest! She reeked havoc on my beloved little state and literally washed away much of that 250 years of history in just a few hours. My own homestead weathered the storm with little more than a leaky roof ("to be expected") and a damp basement ("what else is new"). Those are direct quotes from the aforementioned actress. Neighboring towns were not as fortunate and the pictures coming out of Vermont are heartbreaking. Roads gone, cattle gone, crops gone, covered bridges gone, businesses gone, homes gone and yes, lives gone too. Then, marvel of it all, the stories began to filter out. Vermonters helping Vermonters. Vermonters are a quirky little people. I say "little," because at 6ft. my nephew is the tallest Murray by far! I say "quirky," because that "can't get there from here," humor is an acquired taste! Big hearted and big on action, Vermonters are already well on their way to rebuilding the state. Vermont will never be the same, but the Vermonters will be. I have lived outside of the state now longer than I lived in it and there are very strict rules about who can call themselves a "REAL" Vermonter. I am really hoping that I can be grandfathered in!
You can help in the Vermont recovery effort by TEXTING: FOODNOW to 52000 The Vermont Foodbank will turn your $10 donation into $60 worth of food.
Or TEXT: REDCROSS to 90999
Most of you know that I am an Athletic Trainer, but many of you really don't know what that means! Athletic Trainers are health care professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and sports-related illnesses. We are the first line of defense in the battle against concussions, heat related illnesses and other life threatening situations that occur every single day in athletic competitions. Athletic Trainers are educators of coaches and parents, and most importantly, advocates for the best interest of their athletes. 
"If I were given the opportunity to present a gift to the next generation, it would be the ability for each individual to learn to laugh at himself." charles schulz
Three weeks ago, I traveled this very road on my way home to Vermont. Towns in Central Vermont were celebrating the 250th anniversary of their charters. My mother played herself in a play about the history of our town (after much discussion, it was decided she was probably best for the role)!! Irene (don't call me JUST a tropical storm) was an unexpected and rude guest! She reeked havoc on my beloved little state and literally washed away much of that 250 years of history in just a few hours. My own homestead weathered the storm with little more than a leaky roof ("to be expected") and a damp basement ("what else is new"). Those are direct quotes from the aforementioned actress. Neighboring towns were not as fortunate and the pictures coming out of Vermont are heartbreaking. Roads gone, cattle gone, crops gone, covered bridges gone, businesses gone, homes gone and yes, lives gone too. Then, marvel of it all, the stories began to filter out. Vermonters helping Vermonters. Vermonters are a quirky little people. I say "little," because at 6ft. my nephew is the tallest Murray by far! I say "quirky," because that "can't get there from here," humor is an acquired taste! Big hearted and big on action, Vermonters are already well on their way to rebuilding the state. Vermont will never be the same, but the Vermonters will be. I have lived outside of the state now longer than I lived in it and there are very strict rules about who can call themselves a "REAL" Vermonter. I am really hoping that I can be grandfathered in!
