One thing I've learned since a January ski accident in Vermont is that everything is connected.

I was told that bones usually take six to eight weeks to heal, sometimes longer, but no one told me how long it would take for a mind to mend or a spirit to be restored.

When I first arrived at the Sarah Neuman Rehabilitation Center in Mamaroneck, N.Y., in February, and was advised that they had spiritual, psychological and psychiatric counselors, as well as physical and occupational therapists available, I said "sign me up for all of them — I need all the help I can get!"

When I returned to Rockport on April 19, I signed up for physical therapy at Addison Gilbert Hospital but still needed someone to talk to about emotional issues that sometimes overwhelmed me, and found a local counselor.

I seemed to over-react to any kind of bad news and often turned off TV coverage of tragedies that happened anywhere at any time to anyone. And I still haven't returned to a Current Issues book discussion group at Rockport Public Library after reading only one chapter of the book "Descent Into Chaos" by Ahmed Rashid about Iran. I can barely cope with local issues; international dilemmas are way beyond me.

But I did have a "deadline" that motivated me. Last fall, a friend and I participated in a five-day retreat led by British author Margaret Silf at the Bethany Spirituality Center in Highland Mills, N.Y. Margaret has an ecumenical spirituality that recognizes the good in all religions but is wary of any religion that claims it alone possesses the truth. Her latest book, "Compass Points: Meeting God Everyday At Every Turn" is filled with delightful examples of how God can be found "as easily at the car wash as ... at the cathedral."

Before I left for Vermont in January, I sent a deposit to Bethany for another retreat, June 22-28, 2009, with Margaret called "God in Transition." I had no idea that I would soon be going through a transition of my own and all through those weeks in rehab, looked forward to her retreat and prayed I'd be healthy enough to make the trip.

I started driving my car locally soon after I returned to Rockport in April, but as the weeks went by, wondered if I'd have enough energy to drive as far as Highland Mills, so I split the trip into two days, and it worked for me.

I left Rockport on Sunday, June 21, and spent the night in Connecticut. Leaving early the next morning, I drove to Sparkill, N.Y., to visit a friend who has ALS. I enjoyed the time spent with Florence, eating lunch in her apartment with other old friends — Elaine, who lives in Georgia, and Dorothy, who lives in New Rochelle. We called Ann in Florida and enjoyed each others' company almost as much as we did many years ago in the Bronx.

Later, I headed north on the Palisades Parkway and arrived at Bethany around 3 p.m. The retreat began after dinner and the next six days were fascinating, listening to Margaret's talks and sharing reflections on the transitions in our own lives. Even the weather cooperated with a double rainbow one evening.

The retreat ended on Sunday, June 28, after lunch and I drove to a bed and breakfast inn in New Rochelle to spend three days visiting with my sisters as well as rehab buddies, Arlene, Nancy and Cynthia, who lived in that area.

On July 1, I headed north for Ossining, N.Y., to spend another six days in a private retreat at the Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center on the banks of the Hudson River, hoping to reflect on Margaret's wisdom and apply it to my own life.

Driving north on the Hutchinson River Parkway, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to stop at Sarah Neuman. My first stop was the therapy room to see Raphaela and Rosemarie, where I enjoyed surprised smiles and hugs from everyone. Next, I went to the second floor where Maria, my favorite daytime aide, and other staff members greeted me like a long-lost friend.

The two-week trip was more like a pilgrimage than anything else and I returned to Rockport on July 7, filled with peace and gratitude, aware of the many miles still ahead — but confident that I'm heading in the right direction.

Eileen Ford is a regular Times columnist who lives in Rockport.