Dear Community:
This letter is written in celebration of and in gratitude for allowing me to be a part of your lives in my role as Executive Director of SMCR, Inc. for the past 7 years.
The meaning of the number seven best defines my feelings as I go into retirement as Executive Director of SMCR, Inc. and move to the next path of my journey. The number 7:
*Sacred: I was given the honor to be ‘dedicated to and purposeful’ in facilitating the development of programs in Southern Maryland for individuals with developmental differences.
*Creative energy: the opportunity to work with so many people who are committed, creative and caring about the whole community.
*Success: everyone defines success in their own unique way. For me success is relationships. Creating a mosaic of programs/activities that addresses the whole person: body, mind and spirit. We have done this with so many wonderful people, organizations and partnerships. Having everyone feeling joy, purpose and building a bridge of understanding and acceptance for each person’s unique gift.
*Prosperity and abundance: as a non-profit organization we always strive for financial prosperity and abundance to bring programs and staff to facilitate those programs. Our financial success and abundance in terms of monies came from individuals, grants and special events. Our annual Dragon Boat Festival represented – for me – abundance and prosperity in the coming together of a community that gave of their time, talent and treasure to support our organization with so much fun, fellowship, creativity, competition and generosity. It was always humbling for me to stand on the steps of the Historic Church and look over the parking lots at the end of the day and reflect on how much was given and shared by so many. Truly a gift!
*Perfection and completeness: We always strived for perfection – but being human were there doubts, struggles and lessons – absolutely! If we continue to ask the question: ‘What is the lesson in this?’ we will grow as individuals and as an organization. Continuing to strive for that perfection.
*Completeness: My retiring is a completeness for me but not the organization. My heart is full of gratitude for the members, their families and everyone who has supported me and SMCR, Inc. so many ways – I do not have the space in this parting letter to recognize them all.
Know that I will always treasure each and all.
In love and gratitude,
Bonnie Elward