Let me tell you a little bit about our office environment at Visiting Angels.
When I bought my business in August of 2003 I knew that I was committed to providing care that was different in some way. There are lots of people providing home care and I wanted to ensure we 
weren’t just like everyone else. Visiting Angels of West Michigan has found many wonderful ways to be different. I am thankful every day for the job I am able to go to. I am thankful every day for the people I am able to serve. I am thankful every day for the co-workers I enjoy, both in the office and the Caregivers who provide amazing care in the homes!
Over the years I have journeyed with a number of different office staff. Each season we have been through has left me with vivid moments that leave me with sweet memories. Today there are three of us in the office who sit within ear shot of each other and tag team on almost everything. We have journeyed to valleys and mountain tops together and we have laughed and we have cried. We have good days and days that seem longer and a bit more tricky to get through, but in the end, we will all declare that we see God work every day in how He provides for Visiting Angels, our Caregivers and our Clients. I don’t know if I could have it much better than to work with co-workers who have become dear friends who share in their passion to serve clients, love caregivers and for the most part, enjoy what every day brings.
And then there was the day I went out and bought a puppy. Just over three years ago, Dutch joined my home and started coming to the office. You can read more about my early days with Dutch at http://trishborgdorff.com/2010/08/31/what-i-have-learned-from-dutchess/
I clearly remember waking up Monday morning after Dutch came home on Sunday and she seemed to small to stay at home alone, so I packed her in a laundry basket and brought her with me to work. She is now a permanent fixture in Suite 270. She is often 
seen hanging her very cute head out of the Visiting Angels red car that drives around town. She also is often visited by clients, caregivers and caregivers children and grandchildren. Dutch is greeted before the three of us and often receives the final words as our guests leave the office. Dutch will lay at the feet of new applicants and if she happens to be at Camp Bow Wow for the day, inevitably we have to answer the question throughout the day of where is Dutch? I never really planned to bring a dog to the office, but life happens and it has been good!
And over the years of working with Laura we have celebrated her engagement, marriage and now are so excited about her and Dave’s newborn son. We often say to our clients and their families that we are committed to evaluating life as it unfolds because we recognize that needs and circumstances change. Well, if we do that for our clients, it only seems right we do that in the office as well. An
d as Laura’s life and circumstances have changed, we are ebbing and flowing in the office. Andrew joined our office crew this past Friday as Laura’s maternity leave came to an end. It only seems right that Laura is able to work and enjoy her son if we can make that happen. And I believe that we can make that happen. We recognize and freely talk about what it will take to make this transition and I believe we are all confident that it will be good. Dutch may be the one with greatest doubt at the moment, but by the end of the day Friday, she seemed to find new space to call her own as well.
I have learned many things since I took my first job at 22 years old. I believe the best lesson I have learned is that life does not come neatly packaged and to be able to ebb and flow for myself and in my relationships with others, often allows for the most joyful living. I often say to my nieces and nephews, I will say yes, unless I absolutely believe that no is the best answer. I bet you aren’t surprised to hear that rarely do I say no. If yes can work, then let’s make it happen.
I am thankful that our Visiting Angels office is full of life and love with three friends, a dog and a baby in our office environment!
Love this,Trish! God bless your office and the wonderful work you do!
This is wonderful. I’m thankful to have been able to read your blogg thanks for sharing. I miss working for you. We also miss Judy. When we relocated to Plainwell I often felt lonely and at times though my life would never be the same. I left grand rapids where I always knew where I was going and always ran into a friendly face to talk to. Here Kalamazoo is very difficult to learn I don’t see friendly faces. But as a whole I have found new friends here in Plainwell some new and someone’s I went to school with back in the day. All an all life here is great . We to now have our business which our lord has blessed us well. Are means are all met, Jamie is blossoming in his new school. We have four wonderful caregivers that just love Jamie. We to have a new addition to our family. Moab moon an assie with no back feet. He walks solely on his front legs. He smiles at us each day when we return from our busy day of work. He warms our heart makes ussmile and fills are already filled heart more so. We couldn’t imagain our lives with out mr. Moon. we love it here in Plainwell, our home is bigger then our last we have room to spread our wings. I so much enjoy the peacefulness of country living. Our proptys is under 3 acres so we have a safe place for our grand boys to run and play. I love your work ethics Thish your a wonderful person, and a giant heart. I hope everyone knows just how blessed they are to know u. Sometime when I make it to grand rapids I will pop in and see you & your family at the office. Thanks Trish for sharing.
Roxie: I also had to leave Visiting Angels because we are relocating to Plainwell. Perhaps we can be friends there! 🙂 You can give me some tips and pointers about how to navigate the small town and nearby city of K-zoo!
Love this post, and this is why I loved working for you, Trish! May God continue to bless and prosper your business, relationships, and soul.
Kate feel free to contact me. I’m on facebook Roxie Talsma. My # is 2692053505. Where in plainwell did u move to. We are up on east b Ave up by richland. Id love to meet up. Sounds like Trish as 3 reason to come to plainwell
Thanks Roxie
What a beautiful journey you and your fortunate staff are on!