12 Wednesday, August 26, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Commentary... How I found stillness in a pandemic By Kelsey Tremblay Guest Columnist PHOTO BY JODI SCHNEIDER Terra McSwain, DVM (center), joins Cassandra Lodge, DVM (left), and Little Liedblad, DVM at Broken Top Veterinary Clinic just east of Sisters. Love of animals came naturally for McSwain By Jodi Schneider Correspondent Dr. Terra McSwain, who recently joined the veteri- nary team at Broken Top Veterinarian Clinic, was raised on a farm in rural North Carolina. When kids grow up on a farm, they learn the respon- sibility of caring for animals. They discover how to under- stand and feel compassion toward animals that can9t communicate their feelings. <I was always rescu- ing animals of all kinds,= McSwain said. <My love of animals came naturally, and their well-being was always of utmost importance to me.= Being an advocate or voice for an animal is a humbling field of work for the new veterinarian. She understands the close con- nections people have with their animal companions. She added, <The ability to work with both animals and people appealed to me since I am passionate about client education and lasting relationships. It9s challeng- ing to say the least, but I feel that I have the best job in the world=. McSwain earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from East Carolina University in 2011. She then went on to obtain her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Ross University. McSwain and her hus- band, Mike, also a veteri- narian, moved to Central Oregon two years ago from Florida, where she practiced emergency medicine for three years. <Mike and I met in See VETERINARIAN on page 15 I9m 30 years old. I9m single. And I9m Canadian. Well, I9m half Canadian, half American. But I can say hands down I am one hun- dred percent the only person in Sisters that can fit that description. Probably even just two of the three. My dad moved to Sisters after living in Cincinnati for 35 years to be closer to his brother and wife 4 my aunt and uncle. I never thought I would be spending the summer after my 30th birthday liv- ing with him in a subdivi- sion where deer are basically our backyard dogs. I never thought I would be here, and I certainly didn9t plan on falling in love with it. I was laid off due to COVID in March. I work as a set decorator for TV shows in Toronto. My life is a con- stant hustle and I am never not moving. After a devas- tating breakup, losing my job and a global pandemic all wrapped up in one month, my aunt and dad suggested I come to Sisters for the sum- mer. (I made sure I did not bring COVID to your com- munity by being tested 4 don9t worry). After spending four days as a line cook at Suttle Lake (another <what was I thinking?= moment in my life 4 I clearly couldn9t hack that) I realized the sum- mer was going to go by slow. Or, at least, so I thought. Meeting new friends has never been hard for me, and Central Oregon held true to its friendly reputation. The people here are truly amaz- ing. I have met so many wonderful people from all walks of life. I am constantly impressed by the stories and histories of the folks who live around here. You all are so tough, even if it takes a bit to see through your soft and gentle exteriors. Everyone has such richness to them 4 it9s truly something else. I had the pleasure/luck to meet a friend who loves adventures and, lucky for me, is keen to having a sidekick. I have spent hours floating the Metolius, Deschutes, and McKenzie. Camped in the valleys of Maupin and the McKenzie River Trails 4 or what I like to call <Jurassic Park.= I have explored Portland, Bend, Ashland and Sisters (all the while safely masked and socially distancing of course). I have spent count- less evenings walking the neighborhood with my dad, listening to the cows happily bellow in the fields, taking in the sunsets that light the sky and mountains aflame. In this quiet little moun- tain town, where I never thought I would find myself, I found happiness. It has been such a long time since I have stopped to breathe and taken time to actually enjoy peace. To take space. To be still. I know it9s super sappy and prob- ably trite, but I9ve worked on enough Hallmark TV movies that I9m OK with it. I have started to see the beauty Sisters and Central Oregon has to offer. It9s magic. And I really did need to be reminded of the importance of this. So this is my manifesto to your Tiny Community of Wonder. Even if it took a breakup, a layoff and a global pan- demic, I am so thankful you gave refuge to Canadian city-slicker like me. Thank you. OU DAY FOR Y O T L L A C E IN OR CE N A R U S N I FREE N! O S I R A P M CO COM 541-588-6245 257 S. Pine St., #101 | farmersagent.com/jrybka AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BUSINESS 2003 BEAVER CONTESSA 3 slides, Allison/ Cu Cummins ISL 370, 71K miles, super clean. Home Health a th & Wellness Start Here! Hot Tubs, Automated Covers, Spa Maintenance Services Traditional Saunas Swim Spas • Essential Oils Wood Stoves • Pellet Grills Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. & Evenings by Appt. aquahott h ub.com b 541-410-1023 • 413 W. Hood Ave. R $ NEW CHEF NEW MENU Outdoor Seating! Dine-In or Take-Out 391 W. Cascade Ave. | 541-549-2675 corkcellarswinebistro.com 64,900 Best Price! No Hassles! CARFAX Certifi ed! Bring us your trade-ins and low-mileage consignments! Sisters Car Connection 541-815-7397 192 W. Barclay Dr., Sisters Hope for a child. Change for a nation. Extended lockdowns have created extreme diffi culty for many people in Uganda who depend on their daily wages to eat. Hope Africa International has been able to meet these desperate physical and emotional needs by providing food and through outdoor, small group education. Janith is 10 years old and has been waiting for a sponsor for a year. Would you consider investing in Janith’s life? Sponsor Janith today at HopeAfricaKids.com Your monthly gift of $39 will provide Janith with school fees, uniforms, shoes, food, medical care, and the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ. Your sponsorship pledge makes an impact on your child’s life that is both immediately transformational and eternal. Learn more about Sisters-based Hope Africa International at HopeAfricaKids.com. This ad sponsored by The Nugget Newspaper Newspaper.