Dear Wyn,

From our beautiful home on Whidbey Island as I near the end of my career, I reflect on so many wonderful things I learned from working with and for you.

Medirec in those early years was an exceptional workplace. Engaged in a mission bigger than profit and yet needing to be profitable, we enjoyed an emotional abundance that enriched souls and spirits. The sustained enthusiasm and camaraderie opened a window into an unexpected aspect of workplace potential. United in a commitment to serve our customers, we found purpose in whatever role we had. Mundane tasks were meaningful as the daily chores to accomplish a mission bigger than any one of us. My experiences led to insights and understanding that have helped shape my view of workplace spirituality. Every day, I see my 7 year ring and remember.

Personally, you gave me an extraordinary gift – believing in me enough to have me start to believe in myself. I still remember how we met and worked together on the video series about breastfeeding that would support the health care workers and parents who would rent the breast pumps that Medirec supplied. I was a volunteer with La Leche League and mother with pre-school and elementary aged children. As you got to know me, you wanted me to work for you. I demurred due to home and children concerns. I was so touched by your final thoughts.

“It can be part time, work at home, on whatever schedule makes sense for you. But I’ve gotten to know you. I’ve seen your ability and your commitment. I don’t want someone else to have the benefit of you working for them because they’ll be in competition with me…and you’ll be helping them.”

In my whole life up to that point, I’m not sure I ever felt so valued. You helped me begin to appreciate that I have a lot to offer. For that and more, I owe you BIG!

Some 33 years later, my life has evolved nicely. I have contributed well and have made a difference in many ways, in many places and companies. Who I am and how I view the world was shaped, in part, by the wonderful experience of working with you. Thank you.

Love and good wishes to Annette and all the family,

Blessings,
ElizaBeth Guss

Bart Anderson
Salt Lake City, UT

Dear Bart,

Recently, I’ve been reflecting on the many gifts and kindnesses that people have shown me through my life. They range from giving me opportunities to showing and caring for me in distinct ways—usually specific to the need in my life at that time. I suspect that most had no idea how much impact their kindness or outreach had in my life.

Actually, I wonder if that isn’t the case for most of us. We are usually unaware of the long-term effect of our actions on others. So, as a way of helping let you know how grateful I am for a huge difference you made in my life, I write this letter and hope you’ll see it.

In a phrase, I owe you big! And here’s why.

You gave me a birthday gift of a card and palm reading that opened my world to the great mystery outside of what I already knew. We were rather recently friends, connected through your furniture making business. (Steve was incredibly excited and touched by the beauty of the roll top desk you made for him. Such a great business thank-you gift. He still loves it!) And, over the next couple of years, our little family became friends with you and Larree.

Yours was the world of the artist and seeker. Mine was the world of a wife and mother struggling to reconcile the many parts of life that weren’t working well. Along the way, I was feeling very lost and overlooked, unimportant except for the way I followed others’ expectations. My life was much on autopilot.

The idea of a card and palm reading seemed like such a lark, a fun way to spend an hour. Yet something powerful happened to me during that time. The truths that I heard from the kind woman who read both provided comfort and reassurance at a critical time for me. Besides offering a nice dose of mental health, the experience opened my eyes, mind, and heart to the truth of how much is known outside of what we can prove. In that afternoon, I entered the world of mystery and found it friendly.

My life has not been the same.

I, too, have become a seeker. I still look pretty traditional and have a pretty standard life. But there is a pulsing energy in me that is open to the bigger world—beyond the senses. My world has grown because I became open to the possibilities.

Thank you. It was your kindness and spirit that pointed the door to me. I think of you fondly and hope that you are well.

Beth Guss