On August 1, 2003, Ted Boers and Trish Borgdorff opened Visiting Angels of West Michigan for the first time. That day set my heart in motion in a way I could not fully understand.
Ted and Jan were friends of mine from Sunshine Community Church. Ted, about 20 years my senior, was a very successful businessman, but more than that, he and Jan were people I admired and enjoyed as I watched them blend their faith with their daily lives.
We ventured into this 50/50 business partnership. A few years later, Ted told me this business was too “constant” for his personality, and I became the sole owner. I am grateful for Ted, who took a risk on me as a business partner when I was young and just three years out of grad school.
The past 20+ years have been filled with goodness and a few really difficult situations. I am in awe of the generous spirit of so many caregivers who will give so much to ensure clients’ care and safety.
I am so grateful for those who have served with integrity and loved their clients and families with kindness and respect. The relationships built, the tenderness shared, and the generous giving in living and dying make every day a gift.
My heart swells with gratitude for those who have navigated the daily oversight and administrative tasks with me in the office. It takes a unique mix of compassion and organization, discernment and leadership, spontaneous spirit with structured strategy, and teamwork! I am so aware of each person’s different gifts and how that has given us the synergy to meet the needs of so many individuals and families. Working with the best staff is an honor!
And for all who have invited us into your homes, for the spaces we could bring support, companionship, respite, care, comfort, and hope, we thank you for entrusting us with your loved one or yourself!
The story of Visiting Angels of West Michigan began long ago when Ted and I committed to trying a new business. But Visiting Angels of West Michigan is about a community of people who have expanded the boundaries of my heart, challenged how I think and act, and invited me to live as a business owner with a firm conviction. This conviction is to leave every space we enter into with an abundance of kindness, respect, love, and peace, making every morning an adventure and every evening a space when I say Thank you, Lord, for your provision and protection over all who give and receive care.
There are to many stories I could tell and too many names to share. But if you have journeyed with us in some way or another, you will know you are. To each of you, I say Thank. you, because I have known you, I have been changed for good!
Here is to the next 10 years,
❤️ Trish
Just a few pictures….
You took a chance on me and I’m so grateful. I look back with good memories. The harder times made me grow. That job had a big influence on me and I’m better for it. Love you Trish, congratulations on this milestone.
Trish, when you came into my life in October 2005, there was no question I was visited by an angel. The things you saw in me, the hard things you encouraged me to confront, the trust you offered me in just one short week caused such an incredible disruptions deep in my soul. I got a taste of freedom! I got a large dose of the goodness of God and that there is NOTHING we can do to make us unlovable. May the coming years cause an explosion in people believing again…that God is unstoppable through Visiting Angels!