A Note From My Boss ...

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A note about Kate Bade and her work with Hannah.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Joel McDaniel and I was Kate's boss for the last nine years. Not only have I had the pleasure of having an employee of such high work ethics, but I have gotten to know Kate and Hannah by way of living in the community and greeting them both at numerous occasions and events. You see, Kate does not simply work her job, Kate LIVES her job! She has made taking care of Hannah her life's mission and has made such a world of difference for this special beautiful child. Yes, she is paid for her work, but the work she does with Hannah is worth 100 times her pay. Kate dedicates and donates most of her own time to Hannah, teaching, caring, and living Hannah's life with her.

This trip she would like to take with Hannah is not a vacation for Kate, but an experience, a once in a lifetime experience for Hannah to see and touch the oceans, the nature, the people. Kate will plan get together with others like Hannah and share their experiences, all while documenting this beautiful story through pictures and words. A huge ice bucket challenge if you will. She will spread awareness of this disease called Autism, and touch people's hearts and souls on the way.

Taking care of Hannah is a tough job. A job that takes all of your attention as she is dependent on Kate for every simple little task, tasks we all take for granted. Kate has told me she will take her on this trip with or without donations. She will spend every dime she has to make this dream happen for Hannah and for the others whose lives will forever be touched by this beautiful duo.

I am reaching out to you all at this time to ask for a small donation if you can spare it. The Rock HHC, employer of Kate, has started off the donations with a $500.00 gift. I challenge all other business' to match our donation. Help make this possible for Hannah. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated! God Bless to you all and Godspeed to you Kate and Hannah.

 More info and donation options can be found on the link below:

www.autisticImprints.com

Paypal is accepted or checks can be mailed to:

Affinity Plus
 C/O: Autistic Imprints
 535 East Highway 2
 Grand Rapids, MN 55744

#autism #travel #exploreminnesota #autisticimprints #exploreunitedstates

Clarity

It's not always clear, which path to take.
It's there in front of me, I can't see it.
But I feel it.

My best moments of clarity have followed my worst moments of feeling lost.

Hannah and I go walking sometimes.
She walks slower than I.
And if I walk slower
she walks
even slower.

I'm learning to adjust my pace.
I'm learning to feel the space

between the leaves
of flowers and trees.

Living

It is your Divine right to experience as much life as possible.

What are you waiting for....

I will show you the world

It's a wide wise world out there child. 

I will show you. 

Trust me....

No need for words 

in places where spirits are free.

This too shall pass

Always ...

                    do storms pass. 

One Love. One Peace. Always and all ways

Beauty

The most beautiful things can be found where you least expect them.

In moments that are challenging she reminds me to find the beauty in them.

These are Showy Lady Slippers. Minnesota's state flower. Typically found in roadside ditches.  It pays to pay attention.

Nourish and Flourish

I didn't see it when I photographed it,

I only knew I needed her here. 

I look at the tree and see...do you?

    I ask are you  choosing what nourishes or depletes you. 

And now you see it too.And now you see it too.

One Love. One Peace. Always and all ways. 

It's unconditional

There are things yet to be said...that's what I call this picture.  We had a bit of a scare last night. Her father choked on a piece of meat during dinner.  Had trouble dislodging it. By the fifth heimlich we got it out.  I'd be embarrassed to say it took more. It's just not your time to go buddy.   Your daughter has things to tell you ...and every  day I wonder what would she say. 

Hannah's father drives very far just to come home to see her at the end of the day.  As often as he can.  It means he must also get up extremely early to go back to work. 

I put the two of them at one end of the camper.  Hannah was so excited she couldn't sleep. I could feel the camper rock every time she jumped the bed.  She jumps high. She jumps a lot.   At some point, it had to be after midnight,  I went to get her worried her father wasn't getting any sleep, I also wasn't because of her jumping on the bed.   He said it's okay, " I can sleep through it, I just love her so much."  With renewed patience and a motherly "Hannah it's sleep time so lay your head down on the pillow" I went back to my room.  She quieted down. 

 

Love in action. 

That's what it's all about.

One Love. One Peace. Always and all ways.

Longing...

...strong, persistent desire or craving, especially for something unattainable or distant.

I know this feeling.

 
The moments I am able to help bridge the distance for her,
and ease the longing...those are the ones that mean the most to me.

One Love. One Peace. Always and all ways. 

Her Wisdom

She feels the earth
And listens to the wind

Her wisdom is taller than the trees.

Kindness

Small acts of kindness...

aren't small at all.

The Art of the Heart

At a time when race and sexual orientation are sadly still issues for some...

We remain...
Hand in hand.

We stand beside
Those who have been pushed aside.

The uniqueness of a human being,
is a special thing.

It's the art of the heart that matters.












One Peace. One Love. Always and all ways.