He meets a young name nicknamed “Produce” who works in the produce department of his local grocery.Īnd although Produce has special needs, he lives a life full of joy and meaning, and impacts Calvin’s life, just as Raymond impacted mine. It’s the story of a man named Calvin, whose past failures are haunting him, and his life and relationships are falling apart. I had the privilege over the weekend of watching a soon-to-be-released new movie, called, “Where Hope Grows”. His life mattered, and his life blessed mine immeasurably. It’s been more than 20 years since his passing, but he made an indelible mark in my life and heart that will always remain. His face lit up and he squealed with delight when he heard the theme song from his favorite cartoon (Inspector Gadget), which gave me a window into his childish joy.Įventually Raymond was adopted and went to live with another family, and he passed away a few years later. He needed someone to love him, he needed someone to take care of him…he needed me.īut he gave me much more than I gave him.Īlthough he couldn’t speak a word, through his eyes, he “spoke” to me. He lived with several different foster families before getting moved to the institution.īy the age 5, of Raymond had lost his entire family, and he could no longer walk, talk, or even eat by mouth.Īnd perhaps that’s why I felt so bonded with him. Raymond was left with a profound mental and physical disability. Raymond was resuscitated, but his brother died. He and his brother fell into an arroyo and drowned. I’ve never met anyone who endured as much tragedy as Raymond had in his young life.īoth of his parents died in separate accidents. I cared about all of my foster sons, but Raymond held a very special place in my heart that I really can’t explain. One of those three children was Raymond (this photo was taken in 1990). Within 2 months of getting married, my husband and I became foster parents to 3 children with special needs, as part of a pilot program to remove young children with profound physical and mental disabilities from institutions, so they could live in a home with a family. Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.Those of you who have visited my blog for awhile, know I’m the mom of 4 kids, but what I’ve never shared before, is that before I ever had kids of my own, there were three other children in my life. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real,Īnd always try to understand the way other people feel.īe less quick to anger and show appreciation more,Īnd love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before. Are there things you’d like to change?įor you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. What matters is how we live and love, and how we spend our dash. He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.īut he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.įor that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth.Īnd now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.įor it matters not how much we own, the cars, the house, the cash. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning to the end. I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. We wish you a very Happy New Year from our Board and Team here at the North Georgia Community Foundation! The Dash Poem Think about your own ‘Dash.” Do you want to give more of your time? Your talents? Your treasures? How can you continue to live out and build your own unique legacy? Then, she challenged our Board with this thought: “How are you living your ‘Dash’? What is it that will fill the moments of time from the beginning of your life, to the end?”Īs we embark on this new year, whether you have heard this poem before or not, we encourage you to take a minute and read the words carefully. Recently, at our North Georgia Community Foundation Board Retreat, Mary Hart shared a poem, “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. One of the things we appreciate the most about Mary Hart is how she is always sharing her words of wisdom and encouragement everywhere she goes. We are honored that she is a current (and founding) NGCF Board Member, as well as a past Board Chair. Mary Hart Wilheit is a woman of grace and love. “The Dash” ~ a Poem by Linda Ellis posted: December 31, 2021
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