Being Thankful in Brewster, Ma | Captain Freeman Inn

by Donna Cain

This morning we awoke at our regular time to prepare breakfast for our guests. We are enjoying living in the center of Brewster as we can enjoy many of the summer activities that center around our lovely old fashion village. This morning was special in that the Pan Mass Challenge’s route runs right past our inn. It was a cool morning (so glad for the bikers) and ours windows were all open, and I smiled as I could hear the cheering and clapping as onlookers were standing on the side line gleefully saying “Thank You”.  As I was preparing the pancake batter I thought how wonderful it is for so many people to come together for such a great cause. Each year the Pan-Mass Challenge brings together thousands of impassioned cyclists, committed volunteers, generous donors and dedicated corporate sponsors. Their impressive goal is to provide Dana-Farber’s doctors and researchers the necessary resources to discover cures for all types of cancer. I was humbled to see the riders that road past our inn this morning that had trained so vigorously to be a part of this wonderful mission.

Afterwards, as I walked down to our garden to collect herbs and nasturtiums for our breakfast, my mind stated thinking of all the things I am thankful for today. During the summer months, especially in August , Byron and I start to get tired and sometimes I must admit- a little grumpy to each other. After seeing so much positive energy on wheels I felt empowered to be thankful for what I have in the moment and to pass on little bits of joy to others when possible. And so today I am writing a list of what I am thankful for:

I am thankful for our beautiful garden and all of the bounty it has provided us this summer including nasturtiums, basil, tomatoes, sunflowers, squash, herbs, lettuce, cucumbers, beans, pumpkins, flowers and carrots.

I am thankful for all of the incredible wildlife that surrounds our inn. Each morning we awake to birds chirping and bunnies hopping around the yard.

I am thankful that our property has so many buzzing bees. They are everywhere and that is so good for mother nature.

I am thankful for all the strides we have made to be more green at the inn. Our guests are so supportive with our mission and help with recycling and not changing sheets and towels daily.

I am thankful for our wonderful staff. Gean and Corrine have been with us for many years and do a fantastic job. They always have a smile on their face and never complain- even on the recent day when we had 9 checkouts- Yikes!

I am thankful for our wonderful summer server Marco who also serenades our guests with his music.

I am so thankful when repeat guests say to us- “it feels so good to be home” We are honored that this beautiful home can welcome so many wonderful people.

I am thankful for my wonderful new kitchen. I love to cook and this new space is AWESOME!

I am so thankful for our new private quarters. We have three new fireplaces, a wonderful porch and best of all- a guest and family room for family and friends when we are full.

I am thankful for our health and that we can afford to eat healthy and fresh food daily.

And lastly I am thankful for our children who are all healthy and happy. After all, what more can we ask for in life. Ohhhh, and how can I forget – I am thankful for the joy Harrison brings to everyone each day. He is a love!

Feeling empowered on Cape Cod after watching some of the cyclists riding for the cause and wanting to share this beautiful slice of heaven with our guests.