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….
So, I will post some of my thoughts on my blog this week that are not refined and finished. They are the thoughts of the journey to my heart.
out why this happened. However, in some honest reflection, I began to understand that life events cause transitions. When my friends were getting married and having kids, and I remained single, perhaps it was more about transitions than rejection! Perhaps there were seasons to friendships that, instead of being grieved, can be marked and remembered as memorable and good!
There is something so fluid about living with the ability to let people, thoughts, and life come and stay and then go.
Meet anger with…Sympathy
we drove to Chicago and back. It was worth every minute on the road to celebrate Ryan’s graduation from Grad School! Not only did he graduate with honors from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago, but he also turned 26 on Thursday. I am a very proud aunt.
Today, his partner and dear Hannah suggested we offer Ryan good words to celebrate his accomplishments. I love nothing more than the offering of words, affirming the personality, character, giftedness, and impact of Ryan’s life on those he loves.