This is exactly how I remember Ellie, playing the guitar and offering a sense of peace and soul through the music she carried on her journey.

I hear her music in my head as I see the resilience that shines through this picture. It's exactly how I think of my time in Eau Claire. Oh, what I would give to hear her music and be in her presence again. Taking in the companionship of all of those gathered for those moments. I shared so many experiences around music in this place and that brings back memories I will cherish forever. If we shared any kind of music in this place, I remember you and wish you well.

Makes me smile to have come across this while I've been on a mission about my life soundtrack and piecing together the inspirational tracks that I must have been listening to during such a pivotal going on over the last few years, including how I have been impacted personally and professionally.

Although challenges have been faced, these years have been some of the most enlightening and inspiring times of my life and I have been wanting to put that into words. I knew the music I shared during this time would paint that picture for me. As I added music to my playlist, I started thinking about the music that I'm not capturing in my Apple Music. I hit up Google, not sure if I would to find anything from Ellie to add to my playlist. Honestly, I found something better... Low and behold a brilliant Eau Claire Journalist, Julian Emerson, captures it again.

Photograph credit to Andrea Paulseth.

As I share this story the sting of lives lost while living on the street will continue to be real. I remember reading this story for the first time after learning of the death of a woman I will never forget. Probably for more reasons that I’m sure she’d admit to if we were discussing it today.

Sadly, Marilyn was not the only friend I lost serving on the streets of Eau Claire. I can assure you that sadness is among the MANY feelings that flood in when I think about the death that plagues people who experience homelessness. It didn’t take long once I started working here to experience the death and darkness that can follow in homelessness. I can only pray that I offered some light to my brothers and sisters in the time I shared with you in this space.

This here is where I wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t shout out to the talented professionals who continue to serve in roles contributing to the wellbeing of the people living in the Eau Claire community. Thank YOU for the amazing work you do every day to help the lives of those experiencing homelessness in the streets of Eau Claire. You are amazing and I am better for having worked alongside you!

Beatitutdes >>> LINK IT

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Photograph credit to Father James Kurzynski.