After 25 years, Leslie Congleton is stepping away from PTC. Below is her parting message to the PTC nation. If you would like to say a personal farewell to Leslie, a card shower is organized for her. Please send cards to the following address by July 1st: Iowa State University, Ann Christenson, 101 MacKay Hall, 2302 Osborn Drive, Ames, Iowa 50011-1078.
Dear PTC Community of Friends,
If you are receiving this newsletter, then you are part of the dedicated community sharing the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program with caregivers far and wide. It is a privilege for each of us to belong to this community of PTC Staff, Class Leaders, Master Trainers, Community Sponsors, as well as the amazing Caregivers we serve. I have 25 years of memories with PTC and on June 9th will be stepping aside as the Transition Specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. It has been wonderful to work with the ISU team over the past year and it I am delighted to see the ways in which PTC will continue to grow with the support of the incredible team of staff and resources that come from ISU to make a solid foundation for PTC for years to come. I would like to express gratitude to the many individuals and organizations that make PTC a possibility. I trust you know what a profound difference you make in people’s lives. The passage below is by Winston O. Abbott. My parents shared a book of his words of wisdom with me when I was a teen–many years ago! I wanted to share it as it so beautifully illustrates how intertwined our lives are. I will always remember the years with PTC fondly, and welcome whatever the future may bring. With thanks to you all! Carry on!
-Leslie Congleton
"And as my life has been gently touched by other lives—it follows that I have touched theirs too—one cannot always know the time of greatest need—perhaps this is as it should be—perhaps it is only for me to light one darkened corner of the path–to place a hand upon your shoulder as a symbol of my kinship and my love—perhaps I came this way—as did you—to fill some special need—but this is not always given to us to know—
From many lives I have gathered courage and strength—I have learned humility and gentleness and forgiveness—and for all of these blessings—I am grateful—And so, you must understand that your life is not your own—it has become a part of mine—and so it follows that my life does not belong to me—it is yours—"
