Our executive administrator asked my thoughts on this and to forward it along to all of you; I have nothing more to add. ~ Timothy Harker, OpAdmin

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To all staff and residents:

I sincerely hope that all of you enjoyed your Thanksgiving yesterday and are looking forward to the holidays to come. Today, the Friday following, is traditionally known as Black Friday, a day of pre-Christmas sales as stores try to push themselves into “the black” and turn a profit.

I was never one for getting up and fighting off grandmothers at 5am for their relatives’ new video games or televisions, but many of you know that today holds a special significance for me and everyone here at Cedarcrest since it was also the day I assumed responsibility for it and all of you. It has been a rewarding experience even at its most overwhelming.

Family is important – and that’s what we are here. Many of us here only have one another, whether we are the last of our bloodlines or simply unknown to our kin, and we are grateful to have you here with us. Family isn’t just who your parents were or who married your sibling; it’s the people you see and work with every day, the ones you trust with your confidence as much as your wellbeing.

Many of you knew Louisa Newcomb far better than I did or ever will; she’s the reason Cedarcrest exists and the one with the forethought to ensure its continued success beyond today. I wish there had been more time and I think of new questions each day that she can no longer answer, but I ask all of you to keep her in your thoughts – today in particular – and the sacrifices she made to keep all of us safe.

~ Janiss Connelly
Executive Administrator
Cedarcrest Sanctum