Freda, my wife, thought it would be appropriate for each of us to say a few words to say farewell to clients, our community and staff.

I have said many times that I don't mind making mistakes as long as I learn from them. The closing of Spring Renewal would truly be a bitter experience for me if it was not for two things:

First, I learned more about who I am, what my gifts are and what they are not. Some of the gifts I do possess I never dared to hope for, so I never implemented them.

Second, I got to know God. I thought I knew God before, but what I had starting Spring Renewal was a philosophy about God. Today, I have a real, ongoing, meaningful relationship with God. If it seems fanatical to mention that in this email, all I can say is, if you fought as long as I have for it, you would cherish it too.

Those of you who know us, know how much Freda and I have invested into the business and the lives of our staff. The business and staff were our lives and family.

I will miss our clients, some of whom we have literally went through life an death with. We have been therapists during women's pregnancies and support for people who have lost loved ones, jobs, etc. And many of you have been there with us during these life events as well.

But, life does not stand still and now I am looking forward with optimism. I feel like I am in a relay race. The runner who is handing off the baton is dog-tired and ready to stop running. The runner grabbing the baton is fresh, wide-eyed and eager to go. I am focusing on the one who is grabbing that baton.

Live well, Jacob

 

As we lock the doors of Spring Renewal for the last time, my mind races backward over ten years to the day we opened the door for the first time. I remember that less than four hours after unlocking the door, Jacob saw his first client. Our furniture was backordered, the roofers and electricians were making lots of noise and lots of mess but we were so excited it just all was fun.

The last few years have been a mixed bag. I buried both my parents after caring for them for many years. I watched my baby graduate from college and head across the country to grad school. I watched staff members get married, have babies and some moved on to new adventures. Many of our clients experienced pain relief and improved health. A few died. There have been times of great joy and times of tears and, yes, times of frustration. But, in the final analysis, it has all simply been the cycle of life.

Now, in that cycle of life, it is time for us to say good by and move on. Everything has a season. I am excited about the next chapter in the book of our lives. I don't know exactly what that is just yet but I am anticipating our next steps with joy and peace. I am also sad to leave many wonderful clients and staff behind. You are not simply clients and staff, you have truly been my family for years and I cherish you. You have helped me grow.

My prayer for each of you is that you find the peace in God that we have found and that you prosper and be in good health.

Love, Dr. B.