In the past week, I left a place that I loved in and cared for the past twelve years. I will not return there, yet it remains with me. I will no longer be there, and yet whispers of me will remain "I have loved. I have cared." When the little ones in the preschool room say "In this room we care for our friends." "God planned for me to grow." "We always use the handrail on the stairs." "God gave me helping hands." "We take turns." "We share." In the brightly hung curtains, the thoughtfully chosen books, puzzles and toys, I whisper "I care about you, I love you." From the children playing "shepherd" and taking their 'candy cane' shepherd rod to rescue the one little sheep that had strayed. From the organized, thoughtful supply room to the extra serving bowls and platters, extra punch bowls, colorful tablecloths and the high chair in the fellowship hall, the cd players, the microwaves, and refrigerators in the S.S. rooms, all whisper of my care, in my behind the scenes way. The imprints on my heart from conversations and shared experiences with parents, and with other members I had the privilege to know and to love are memories I cherish. You shared your hearts with me and I with you and I will always remember you. <3