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My Legacy Is Not a Program. My Legacy Is My Strength.”

I felt compelled to write this blog.  I had to process what was being relayed to me by colleagues after I retired.  

When people reflect on my work, many point to the respite program I helped develop.  They see the impact it had on countless families and assume that is my legacy.

I truly understand why.  Respite care is powerful.  It gave parents and caregivers a lifeline, space to breathe, gather strength, and continue the difficult journey of supporting a child with an emotional, behavioral or mental health need.  I know this not only as a leader but also as a recipient of respite.  I have lived the value of it, and will always honor it.

The reality, however, is that the respite program implemented is no longer in operation due to budget cuts.  The program was eliminated after my retirement. Programs can be built and programs can be dismantled.  My legacy is my strength not a program.

My legacy of strength lives in four ways:

1. Strength to turn lived experience into advocacy.
2. Strength to create opportunities when non were given. 
3. Strength to collaborate with organizations and communities to create lasting impact.
4. Strength to inspire families to keep going when the journey feels impossible.

Even though the program launched no longer exists, my commitment does.  I continue to offer my services nationwide not only to support existing programs and help design new ones, but also through consulting and speaking engagements that strengthen families, organizations, and communities.  Parents and caregivers deserve a break.  Leaders and systems deserve the tools to grow.  All of us deserve to know that strength is possible, even in the hardest seasons.

My true legacy is STRENGTH!  The strength to persevere, to lead, to collaborate, and to never give up.  That strength is what I now pass forward.



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