On May 1st, the equivalent of Christmas for my grandmother, we would go to our front door where we would be met with a colorful range of flowers laying before us. That morning, every member of our community would cut fresh flowers from their yards and place one flower at each doorstep. We would gather the flowers, put them in a vase and set the flowers in the center of our dinner table.
As a child, I did not know the true meaning of this tradition, just that it put a smile on my grandmother’s face. In a meeting discussing the wonderful support being provided throughout our Harc family, I looked down and read the date May 1st. The everlasting memory of my grandmother’s smile flashed before me. At that moment, the true meaning of this tradition was apparent to me as all of you have put that smile on my face.
In these times, bans of social gatherings and limited contact with others have left many feeling isolated and lonely. It is important to remember that you are not alone. That is why, in honor of this May Day tradition, I want each of you to know how much I value you as my community.
The flowers in my vase represent:
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Harc staff who are heroes on the front lines
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Our participants and families who are the heart of Harc
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Our fellow providers facing the same unprecedented challenges
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Our trade organizations who are working tirelessly to advocate for the needs of our community
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All of our community partners, collaborators, funders, donors and friends who continue to respond to our increased needs
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Our funding State agencies whose guidance and support has been imperative to navigate these uncharted waters
Who is in your vase?
Please keep this tradition going throughout the month of May by sending your own flowers and message to your valued community.
We are in this together,
Annette