I was with CROSSROADS HOSPICE IN North Kansas City

Well

No wonder I didn't get to see

OZ .,..

I was so confused

I didn't know where I was!

I was right there nearby Kansas,

going to Kansas

ending up

in

Kansas City

for a hospice called

CROSSROADS HOSPICE

that has headquarters

based in Oklahoma

with nine locations

in

5 states

founded by three fellows with last name of

"FARMER"

and here

I end up

at

Harrah's Casino!

Whoever heard of such???

Yep confused I was,

and

these farmers all

have

"southern accents"

and here I am in

the

Midwest???

Oh my where is the Wizard?

As I entered a most beautiful ballroom decorated so lovely

with a man on stage

dressed in black

singing

SINATRA MUSIC?

Am I really in Vegas?

~ ~ ~

Then it started happened...

I began to feel as though

I was in

'THE EMERALD CITY'

as hospice folks began to arrive, the laughter filling the air

and

they ALL

WERE WEARING

GREEN!

I mean they were a sea of green;

from the founders

Perry, Clayton and George Farmer

to the Executives of all the other

CROSSROADS HOSPICES

who had flown in from all their other locations from all the other states

Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Atlanta, St Louis

right here

to join with the 9Th retreat

and

Kansas City

and

in

GREEEN

supporting their motto:

"Expect more from us... We Do"

I stood back and watched as the room began to fill. My eyes trying to adjust to the "green" that was absorbing the lights and the white of table cloths of linen and the silver; as I listened to the greetings and the laughter that was building.

The back of the man you see closest in the photo is that of "Clayton Farmer" one of the owners

and the man standing in the center

is Perry Farmer, who began the company working as "home health aide" planting the seeds from the ground UP... getting his hands dirty if you will, and nurturing, caring; seeing and doing firsthand. Giving to others and knowing the needs of those facing the most difficult times of their lives.

And oh how he has laugh to fill the room,

and

a true hospice heart.

I watched, I felt the energy, I was getting "amped up" with spirit that would fuel me to give them all I had for their keynote

with great hopes of

"re-fueling and reminding them" of the

Hospice Pioneers so that they may add their own colors to the foundations laid in the world of hospice

allowing their colors to add to the vibrant history

as they touch and go about their work

while taking best care of themselves along the path

at the

CROSSROADS.

I had the best of times with these Farmers; Perry, Clayton and George

 once I took the stage, they are remarkable men

they have a most beautiful staff

who are dedicated

most of whom have true hospice spirit.

and

they all touched my heart deeply.

I kidded them about doing the research for my time with them as I had searched the Internet in vain for photographs with no luck,

so had determined either they were really ugly men

or

they were in the witness protection program!

Funny thing is:

they are some handsome Farmers

and

Behind their "hospice hearts" I just know stands a strong woman

who shaped and molded and gave them their wings to fly.

I was just thrilled to see a couple of familiar faces since the last time I spoke in Kansas

to

Comfort Keepers with my friend

Stephen Bright's company out there!

What a joy I had to see a young woman

named Johnnie who has now joined

Crossroads and stood proudly in

her green shirt saying she has joined this hospice family June 1!

The volunteers where there and they are the

"hearts of hospice", I got to see and get that great hug from Volunteer Coordinator Karen, a delightful woman named Karen whom I had the joy of meeting before while at Comfort Keepers there.

HOSPICE ROCKS

and

it seems Kansas City is really providing old time hospice care to patients and families through their care by some extraordinary people.

The day was for them, those who do the work

for them to "re-fuel" their passion.

"Lead by example" 

 Dip into life with all you have!

And they did, that is Perry Farmer and Kansas City Executive Director Janet Hessenflow, having a dance right there in front of the whole

CROSSROADS!

Now it just doesn't get any better than that.

It was met with hoopin and hollering and grand applause as they twirled and danced and the

"great dip"

Talk about "trust",

what a great demonstration right there for all to witness!

And

when the dance was done, Janet made her way to the table near the stage, Perry to the back of the room with his Farmer Family and the Executives from across the country... the Crossroads staff and the energy for the day

was set!

I of course had no idea what a hard act Perry Farmer and that dance were goin to be to follow until then!!!!

When

Perry Farmer took the stage

and began handing out

awards for service and

Crossroads

received

GOLD

I could see the "green eyes of envy" from those executives of other states...

haha

But oh what pride Janet Hessenflow had for her staff

for the

best care provided for patients and families of their community

for

"true hospice"

and

what a "hoot" that Perry Farmer

is

a man who cares with such passion that I found a tear flowed from my heart to my eye

just like in the ole' days.

And

then when I took the stage

and looked out to that

emerald city of green, I just was filled with awe

at the 300 or so that were there

that were filled with pride to wear that green

of their branding and desire and commitment

to care.

I tell ya,

I haven't been this impressed with hospice in a very long time!

Bravo

Crossroads and thank you for the invitation!

><

Of course,

there was a small glitch from the United States Postal Service and my books, but at least one box arrived

heaven only knows where the other box ended up, but those who wanted to buy those books, I hope will use their bookmarks and buy them online! Can u say: "I am not happy with USPS"

BUT

It was a most remarkable time in

Kansas City!

So then
I ended my time as their speaker
to a standing ovation
to grand hollers from CROSSROADS
i WAS FEELIN THE LOVE I TELL YA.
Then I hear the music
it was
music of the Indian chant of the
Chiefs
but for a moment I thought it was that of callin me back to them!!! LMBO
Only to realize in a hot minute something great was ready to happen as I left to sign books
and wouldn't ya know...

The Home of the Kansas City Chiefs ~
 and wouldn't ya just know it, one of them took the stage
EDDIE KENNISON
 when I finished up, and went out for the book signing and some "bombdiggedity hugs from Crossroads"

He was one handsome young man too, Eddie Kennison

and
 I was told that he even gave me "props" for the inspiration of the day!

Now I am going to be "mud" with my Godsons that I did not get a signed football for them,

EDDIE KENNISON

and he left as I was signing books, thanking me

and I looked up and said

"thank you darling, take care"!

ohhhh woe is me!

I'm hoping against hope that Janet can hook me up with that cos' after all, I do have to worry about my

"street cred" with Kamryn and D'Vante!

This is

CROSSROADS HOSPICE

after a full day of a retreat

a hospice heart revealed!

Thank you for the laughter, the hospitality

the love!

You are filled with all that hospice and

her pioneers began with that one thread

weaving a beautiful tapestry of care!

When the day ended;

Stephen Bright of Comfort Keepers (on left with the "green lai on) and

Janet Hessenflow (way down at the end)

and a few CROSSROADS FOLKS

gathered for awhile

at the sports bar

cos' the love and the feelings were just too strong to break away from.

I was honored to be invited and to hear more of the stories of

CROSSROADS HOSPICE

of their lives

and their love of life.

Yes, It was quite a time indeed

and

I believe I have taken the Farmers out of the

"witness protection program"

so stay tuned for photos of them

and

I thank the woman that is behind them

for she indeed turned out

some remarkable men

with vision, with mindful purpose and passion

along

with great humor!

i TOLD them all,

"I'll Stand By YOU"

during my time there,

and

You know me

I don't say it if I don't mean it...

So

Crossroads

this is for you,

send it to

Perry, Clayton and George as well! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vU_JL-f0AN8

So now I am home ( I was on the plane back with a sweet young woman who works for CROSSROADS and three of her friends, headed for a much needed and deserved vacation in Florida), she was as sweet as suga, and a smile to add to the sunshine state! I ended my experience with a great CROSSROADS hug at the baggage pick-up by her!

and have decided rather than clicking my heels

I just clicked my toes together

and

am headed into the pool to imagine the dolphins

playing for the day

and to embrace them in my mind

with an attitude of great gratitude

once again

thanking the CReator for using me

and

those here for all that you are.

UPdate:

Baby Nicolas that we surrounded in prayers has been released from childrens hospital to home, where he is being loved by his parents and watched closely, but walking and talking.

.,.

Sandy and Stuart are making progress next door, and continuing to love your thoughts and prayers, although no arrest has been made for the Rat Bast**d who did this horrendous thing.

><

For those who are sharing your hospice stories,

let me tell you, I shared them with Crossroads and they were so sorry for the horror stories

and could not imagine what you must have endured.

><

Now then,

the fire is burning and the sage is fired up, with thoughts on the wind to all who gather here.

I wish you enough.

Walk In Beauty,

DRSES

author of

Healing Heartaches, Stories of Loss and Life

http://www.drsherryeshowalter.com/