Last Day at Peaceful Living

This morning I ran out to the store around 5:30AM to pick up ingredients for stuffed bitter melon. When I stepped outside I saw a rainbow in the sky. The angle of the dawn on the morning mist was just right. What a sign as today was my last day at Peaceful Living.

I have an ‘All about my Dad’ Q&A taped on my fridge that Charlotte did for Father’s Day last year. One of the lines is, “I love my dad because he works at Peaceful Living.”

I love my dad because he works at Peaceful Living.

At the time, it made me reflect that I loved myself because I worked at Peaceful Living. We spend so much of our lives at work and so many people don’t find their occupation fulfilling, but I always knew I was doing meaningful work at Peaceful Living.

It feels like the end of an era for our family. Crystal was the first staff at Peaceful Living’s day program in ’09 and her time there inspired her to become an Occupational Therapist. Back then I was known as Mr. Crystal at company picnics and holiday parties. Peaceful Living threw us a wedding shower and welcomed our girls into the world.

It feels like the end of an era for me personally. I’ve grown so much as a person and worked with so many amazing people. I’m a different person because of having been here. I’m excited to return to Cambodia but I am sad to leave.

7 Comments Add yours

  1. Homer Wood says:

    Beautiful message. The coming and the going. The past and the future.

  2. Lori Miller says:

    I’m so thankful for you and Crystal’s years at peaceful living! You both served well! I know you are following God’s leading and he will bless your servicei n Cambodia as well. So thankful to have met you both through PL! How wonderful that God provided a rainbow for you today! 💗☺

    1. Charles says:

      Thank you, Lori!

  3. rose graber says:

    thinking of you and praying for you in this time of transition…rainbows have always been a sign to me too of God’s blessing!

  4. Nancy Lynne White says:

    I enjoyed reading your post, Charles! What your daughter wrote is beautiful, just like everything you said. You will be so missed at Peaceful Living..but, you will still be doing Peaceful work to help others..you and your family are an inspiration! I know you are needed to do God’s work in Cambodia! All the best to you and your precious family….you are all a blessing!🙏😊🌈

    1. Charles says:

      Thank you, Nancy!

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