“Well, let me put that on your heart.” This comment came after a brief conversation about writing. I was visiting the founder and former Executive Director of GSI (my place of employment) at a local Hospice center.
As soon as I entered the room she introduced me to a few ladies I did not know and immediately started telling them about my blog. She mentioned that I post photos on one blog and I write on the other….”but you haven’t been writing much lately…you should start writing again.”
I explained that I had been thinking the same thing. I told her I missed writing and felt I needed to start focusing on it again. And she said…”Well, let me put that on your heart.”
And she did. All the way home I thought about writing.
I also thought about Colleen’s strength and the journey she is currently following.
In our field she is a very well known and well thought of person. She spent her career helping some of the most vulnerable people in our society. She protected the elderly from exploitive families and she assured each client was cared for with dignity and respect.
She is blessed to be surrounded by many people that care for her and love her. It is obvious that her visitor list fills up daily. It is also obvious that she is now in a vulnerable position. Yet I can’t help but think because of the goodness she shared in this world prior to her illness, she is now blanketed with love and kindness.
From the beginning of both my blogs I have felt honored that Colleen was an active follower. Today I learned she looks at Conversations Around the Tree every night. I’m not sure how to explain it, but there is a sense of comfort knowing that someone I respect and admire is out there carefully looking over my work and finding joy in what I post.
Knowing you will read this Colleen made it difficult yet fulfilling to write. Thank you for all you have done for this community, you have made it a better place.
And thank you for your ongoing support….I hope you realize your encouragement means the world to me. I will start writing again…and I will do it in your honor!
Conversations Around the Tree 
Colleen sounds like a very selfless person who doesn’t think twice about helping others. Wonderful person who gave so much back to the community. I am sure she loves this post, Tree. Beautiful dedication 🙂
Thank you Mabel! I’m sure she will also enjoy reading the kind comments!
I sure wish there were more folks like Colleen in the world.
I would love to read more of your writing, you’ve always had me entertained with your photos!
We need a lot more people like Colleen in this world!
Thanks Plant Girl! My goal is to entertain!!
Thank you, Colleen, for everything you have done. I never had the good fortune to meet you till now but I sure am glad to have been introduced to you today.
Thank you Tree. That was beautiful.
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you Colleen!!
“You’ve got a friend…” Having helped you [Tree] with Colleen’s retirement video, I was amazed and impressed to learn of Colleen’s life work of service to the people in her community — those that needed her help the most.
I see much of the same spirit of service in you Tree — you’ve learned quite well the lessons Colleen has shared with you! Keep on being the best you can be…
Thank you Billy. I was thinking about that video as I wrote this last night.
I love you my friend!
Beautiful words for someone who is clearly a very special person ❤
I love that expression "let me put that on your heart". I've never heard that before. I think it will stick with me 🙂
I like that too. There is something intimate and meaningful about that saying.
It is a blessing to know someone who loves what we do. Thanks to Colleen for encouraging you. She sounds like a very special someone.
Move it! Move it! Move it! Am looking forward to reading more as well as enjoying your photos. I am having trouble keeping up with the blogs I follow and tend to visit them in spurts.
I have been facing a similar battle with practicing my violin and yesterday my mother gave me a beautiful violin brooch, which belonged to my Great Great Aunt who played the violin, but not well apparently. Used to torture the family with her playing apparently. Mum said she strayed across it and really felt it was a sign from her mother. It was meant to be.
So, I guess that is also telling me to Move it! Move it! MOve it!
Take care and lts of blessings,
Rowena
So good to hear from you Rowena!
I’ve also had a hard time keeping up. But was just thinking earlier today that I hadn’t heard from you in awhile.
I will get writing and you get playing!!
That’s a deal! xx Ro