Greetings from a totally exhausted Pat & Judy. We can finally see
the light at the end of the tunnel. Along with our volunteers (see
pics at the end of this blog), we’ve finally been able to finish putting
all the poly on the walls, and painting the walls.

This week we’re finishing the hard wood floors. Had to sand about
2000 square feet and am now applying the finish. We have two
coats down, and just one to go. We have to get the floors done
because most of our furniture is being delivered this Saturday. It’s
so exciting to finally be at that point.

We will definitely be opening on October 5. We are planning an Open
House on Saturday, October 3 from noon until 5:00 pm. We’d love
to have you come and see what White Tail Lodge looks like. We’ll
have MANY more details about the Open House in the days ahead.

It almost seems surreal to realize that our dream, two years in the
making, is finally coming to fruition. We’ve had several calls already
about when we’ll be opening. We are looking forward to helping moms
and dads and surviving siblings deal with the death of their child. If
you know of anyone who could benefit from coming to White Tail Lodge
for extended counseling please tell them about Smile Again Ministries.
But don’t stop there, help them make that first call. Our number
is 320-310-8877.  Or they can contact us by emailing us at
pat@smileagainministries.com  .

Please take a few moments to look at the pics of some of our many
volunteers that are making White Tail Lodge a reality. Remember,
if the picture doesn’t come up in full size just click on the picture
and it will come up full size.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog and do help us get the
word out now about our opening. Remember, we love you guys. Pat
& Judy

Gary Juneski applies paint to the wall in the hallway leading to
our bedroom suites. Gary has put in many, MANY volunteer hours.
We appreciate all he’s done.

Deb Sherman applies finish to one of the doors in the bathroom of
one of our bedroom suites.

Scottie Sherman, Deb’s husband, get ready to paint a wall. Scottie and
Deb have volunteered many, many hours to help us get White Tail Lodge
open.

Deb Steele, one of SAM’s Board of Directors, has been amazing at helping
get the word out about SAM. Even though she’s in terrible pain from an
advanced case of Lyme’s disease, she still keeps moving along. Deb, and her
husband John, have been helping in the remodel. You can read about the death
of their son, Johnny, on our website.

We have so many beautiful flowers in our Peace Garden and around
White Tail Lodge. Look below for more pics of flowers.