Wednesday, September 19, 2018

So glad we had this time together


Christi wrote this... I needed the tissues when I read it.   


If you are old enough to remember the poignant way Carol Burnett sang out each episode of her Saturday night variety show, this refrain may wax nostalgic:  “I’m so glad we had this time together.  Just to share a laugh or sing a song.  Seems we just get started and before you know it.  Comes the time we have to say...so long.”  After saying goodnight to all she would tug on her ear, smile, bow, and the curtain would close.  As a child this ending always made me choke up a bit and brought tears to my eyes although I really didn’t understand why at the time.  Now I know she stirred a universal emotion that we all feel when it is time to say goodbye, particularly when we’ve enjoyed the experience and we don’t want it to end. 

My arrival at Nature’s Gift fourteen years ago really had nothing to do with me and everything to do with divine intervention.  Long story short, after taking a work hiatus in 2003 to a monastery in New
Mexico, I briefly met a woman who gave me an amulet and samples of Frankincense essential oils that turned out to be from Nature’s Gift aromatherapy with an address in Madison, Tennessee.  Nature’s Gift aromatherapy which I had never heard of and which was only three miles down the road from my home in Tennessee!  Seeking guidance at the time for the next season of life, I filed the experience away and kept it in the back of my mind.  Fast forward to 2005, when a friend in a Yahoo group queried about a job opening at none other than Nature’s Gift aromatherapy!  I freaked out and called immediately.  Marge was skeptical until she heard my story and the rest is history.  Yet even then I never imagined all that would transpire or that it would play such an important part in my life.  I traveled 2400 miles round trip to find a position three miles away from my house.  It still makes me smile to think of it!

In case you haven’t noticed, I work for the creme de la creme “vintage aromatherapist” and one-of-a-kind individual, Marge Clark, founder and creator of Nature’s Gift.  Marge is my boss, mentor, and friend.  She is one of the most generous people I’ve ever encountered.  At the same time, she is tenacious and when she believes in something she will fight for it no matter the price, personally or professionally. But I can tell you, there is one thing Marge loves most, and that is the oils, first and foremost.  She loves the oils and their safe and effective use more than selling the oils she is supposed to be selling.  This baffles and confuses some people.  I have seen her turn away business from large companies and individuals if she knows they are going to be using the oils in an unsafe way.  I admire her for her strong principles.  The bottom line is caring for others, not making money, which is so prevalent in our society today.  She cares about safety, education, quality, and sustainability and of course interaction within the community. 

For my part, she has mentored me on a daily basis and afforded me the opportunity to study with Laraine Pounds for two years.  Priceless learning experiences from two amazing women in this field!  I cherish my time with both of them.  Marge gave me the space to create blends and introduce products now available such as: Relax Synergy, Deep Breath Synergy, O Christmas Tree Synergy, After the Bite, and our Harmony Synergy and skincare line of products.  We’ve tweaked blends, evaluated countless samples, and discussed many conundrums.  We’ve laughed together and cried together and experienced a decade and a half of life together. Thus, it is difficult to come to this point where our paths diverge.  

Our Production Supervisor, Jim, has worked alongside me for fourteen years, less three months.  So up until now, we have journeyed together, and been the mainstays of the crew.  We have a particularly close working relationship and I will miss his humor and integrity.  As of today we have the best staff in the history of Nature’s Gift in my humble opinion and the addition of Rachel at my desk makes it complete.  I love them all: Marge, Jim, Rachel, Cindi, Michelle, Kabrina, and Roberta.  We share life, of course, and it will be strange without our daily check-ins.  The crew we have today is like a family more than co-workers.  That is what makes it so hard to go on this extended medical leave. 

Without going into too many details, I began having strange health issues about five or six years ago but it took four years and many specialists to finally get a diagnosis of an autoimmune-inflammatory-connective tissue disease.  As my health has declined, work became more and more difficult.  This specific chronic condition is not forgiving and not known for spontaneous remission or radical improvement.  As the year progressed it became more and more evident things could not continue as they were and finally Marge and I had a most difficult conversation which neither of us wanted to have.  Now we find ourselves as we are realizing it is extremely unlikely I will be able to return. 

Back to Carol Burnett, her closing song wasn’t just a way to say goodbye.  It was actually a thank you.  Thank you for being here with me.  Thank you for participating.  Thank you for coming along on this amazing journey!  That is SO Nature’s Gift.  Because Nature’s Gift isn’t just Marge, Christi, Jim, Rachel, Cindi, Michelle, Kabrina, and Roberta.  Nature’s Gift is every single one of us. Nature’s Gift is every single one of you.  You participating in our community.  You jumping for joy when we find a new artisan distiller with unusual oils like Alligator Juniper or Southwestern White Fir, or being the first to order the new 2018 Sandalwood Tamil, or donating to MOMS or the United Aromatherapy Effort when there is a need.  Nature’s Gift is and always will be a community of individuals participating together in this beautiful fragrant aromatic journey! 

So thank you for allowing ME to share your journey with Nature’s Gift over the past fourteen years.  I’ve loved every minute of it, but for now I must say, “so long.”  (Tugging ear)

(Curtain closes), (Lady comes out carrying mop and bucket)



40 comments:

Sue Pace said...

Beautifully said, and bittersweet to the extreme! Love to you, and may you find some healing.

Unknown said...

Christi, Bravo! You have made a difference in the lives you have touched. I'm so very thankful to have been touched by you! Wishing you comfort as you walk this next path. Blessings & prayers for you!

Shirley said...

Chrsti sorry to hear you are leaving. And sorry to hear why. Indeed I also believe it was Divine intervention that brought you to Nature's Gifts, Jim, Marge and all of us customers. Chills went up my spine reading this blog - to read of someone else's journey that is divinelyin guided.Best wishes to you. P.S. Don't know if you are familiar with Christine Goans Facebook group. Essential Oils and Herbs. I've learned a great deal in my own journey towards better health in my later years.

Laurie Short said...

Thank you for sharing your journey through Nature's Gift with us. I'm a sporadic shopper (at best), but when I need something, I know exactly where to go... and who to recommend and I have never, ever been disappointed. Please take care of yourself, Christi. Let some of the goodness you have given to others come back to you. You'll be in my prayers. Laurie.

Unknown said...

OH Christi, what a heart-felt writer you are. Not all can express what their person-in-the-center is saying. (The word "heart" can also mean "center" in Hebrew). I am confident you will continue to be carried by the love of your family at Natures Gift, and I hope you will always be aware of the all-encompassing love of God for you. Psalm 91:4; Jeremiah 31:3 Thank you for your lovely additions to the Natures Gift bountiful offerings!

Unknown said...

Oh Christi! Thank you so much for being a part of the Nature's Gift family! I completely understand where you are coming from in saying that Marge Clark has been a wonderful force in the world of aromatherapy! I am sending you healing energy to assist you on the next leg of your adventure! Best of luck and may you be the one to turn the tide of this illness!

Chrysalis said...

Christi:
I don't know you well but I do remember the times you have been helpful to me through the years...beginning probably about 15 years ago. I was unaware of your challenges but wanted to thank you for your years of service and dedication, and let you know prayers for improved health will follow you into retirement. Many blessings and big hugs!

Anonymous said...

You are special to God. I'm praying you'll gain strength, stamina, vim, vigor and you'll continue your life journey strong—able.

Chrysalis said...

Christi:
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your service and dedication throughout the years. You have always been helpful to me when I required assistance. I was unaware of your physical challenges and having an autoimmune disease myself, I have a little understanding what that may be like. Wishing you the best and sending healing prayers your way! Thank you so much for the service and dedication you've given Nature's Gift and Marge! Big Hugs!

Carol Deards said...

Best wishes in your continued healing journey. It is so hard to say good by to a job and people you love to work with.

Unknown said...

Dearest Christi, thank you for allowing us to have a little peak at your journey to give us the opportunity to send you love and healing light. May you find peace and healing! Thank you for all the work you have done at Nature's Gift!

Unknown said...

Dearest Christi, thank you for allowing us to have a little peak at your journey to give us the opportunity to send you love and healing light. May you find peace and healing! Thank you for all the work you have done at Nature's Gift!

Barbara said...

Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all - Emily Dickinson. Christi, gather all the good things in your life, including hope, and may they be part of a healing process for you.

Barbara vanBok said...

What a privilege to be part of such an amazing crew at Nature’s Gift. I loved your story about how you arrived! So many miles to finally just travel down the street.

Goodbyes are sad, there is no doubt about that. However, it’s clear that these wonderful coworkers, with whom you have shared so much of your life with, will be supporting you with their hearts and minds for a long time to come.

Thank you for your lovely blog post. It is my wish that perhaps this new chapter in your life will reveal your next great journey.

Peace and healing to you!
Barbara vanBok
Falling Star Fragrances

Sandy said...

You couldn't have defined the Carol Burnett closing, nor all that is our wonderful Lady Marge,any better,Christi.Though I only met you the once,it was great fun channeling ideas & ponderngs through Marge. I wish you much love and peace.
Sandy Barrett💛

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for the heartfelt and beautiful tribute, as well as the back story on your incredible journey to Nature's Gift. It is, indeed, the premier source for quality and transcendent essential oils. Christi, I wish you all the best in your journey, the best possible outcome. I am sure everyone and their brother has offered suggestions, and I cannot help but do the same, from my personal experience and that of my family. If you have not been tested for Lyme Disease, please find a Lyme literate doctor to do that for you. And if you have not explored the incredible healing power of CBDs, please, please give them a try! I find the oils from Elixinol to be the most potent and palatable, and also Vape Bright. The CBDs are miracle workers. Blessings, sweet soul!

Christine Dunster said...

Christi, I am so sorry to hear you are leaving. You and the entire team there are just fabulous and I could not agree with you more about Marge’s knowledge and integrity. I am even more sorry to hear what you are going through medically and will be praying for you. I have seen some people heal from this, especially when the “trigger” has been uncovered, and I would be happy to speak with you if you would ever like to talk. Meanwhile I pray for you to have a full healing, be surrounded by love and experience inner peace. God bless!

Unknown said...

Cristi, you are so loved and will be missed. On behalf of every small customer, I want to thank you for your professionalism. I always knew I would hear from you in a timely and professional way, and it was personal, to boot. Everyone has benefited from this chapter in your life. May you enter the next chapter of your life with the arsenal of oils and any other comfort and assistance you need. Just remember how loved you always are and always will be. Many thanks to you for touching my life. Peggy

Puja said...

I wish you all the best as you head forth on this new leg on your journey. I have always loved the knowledge that is imparted to us from nature's gift and the gratitude I feel for all those who work there is vast. I wish you love, peace, happiness and hope moving forward. Love, Puja

Unknown said...

Blessings to you Christi. Thank you for all of your help over the years. I will pray for your health, remember miracles happen, everyday.
Perhaps you could write, your words are beautiful!

Elizabeth said...

What a beautiful signoff from a serendipitous chapter of your life, Christi. That’s an amazing story of how you hooked up with a group 3 miles from your home in Tennessee by going to New Mexico. I’m glad you heeded the call.

You have helped Nature’s Gift improve the quality of life for me and so many other people. For that I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It sounds like you are overdue to take time to focus on the healing you need. You have more than earned the privilege.

I have an autoimmune inflammatory disease, too, and know how debilitating they can be. I know you’re not a medical professional, but I hope you’ll let me know if you’ve had any luck using essential oils to treat the symptoms.

Please know that I’m thinking of you and sending caring thoughts your way.
Best wishes��,
Elizabeth
PS I’m glad Marge posted her note to the email list. I swore off Facebook a few years ago.

Unknown said...

Good luck to you Christi on your healing journey. I too have an autoimmune condition and had to leave my position because of it...I understand your turmoil. But you need to take care of your health & hopefully you will now have the time to do so. Just don't isolate yourself from the world, as I've learned how much this can contribute to other health issues.
God Bless you on your journey!
Kim

Unknown said...

As a long-time customer of Nature's Gift and also a long-time sufferer of a connective-tissue autoimmune condition (in my case, rheumatoid arthritis), your farewell message resonated with me on many levels. I know from experience how incredibly difficult it can be to have your body deteriorate prematurely and to lose the work you love way too soon. My heart goes out to you and I felt the need to send you a virtual hug from afar. As difficult as it might be to leave your job, it's good that you will now have time to fully manage your disease and take care of yourself. I wish all the best for you. ~Tam

Anonymous said...

Dear Christi, I do believe in miracles and that miracles happen to those that believe. I wish a miracle to happen to you so your condition gets better.

Unknown said...

Sending LOVE & all good wishes in your healing journey

Anonymous said...

Although I don’t know you personally, I know how much you have contributed to Nature’s Blend. It is so very sad that you have to leave this family. I’m sending positive and healing energy your way. Bless.

Riverdancer said...

Sending care, peace and healing blessings on your healing journey.

Unknown said...

Peace, comfort, and love to you as you enter the next phase of your journey. You were always so nice and answered questions I had about things in such a pleasant way. I am glad you got to work for such a great company for 14 years. You have made Nature's Gift a better place by your presence. Thank you for being an important part of why it is the absolute best!

Anonymous said...

Dearest, I come to you as a sister in the autoimmune connective tissue disease struggles. I have multiple rare autoimmune diseases that finally led me to also take a health hiatus. I just didn't realize at the time it would be as long term as it has become. I believe in the miracles of health journeys even now. I just wanted to say, you are not alone. There are many of us with you finding new ways to live lives we never imagined. I send you love, light, and will pray for you. Remember this one name in your search to be as well as possible, Dr Chitra Bhakta. Be strong. Thank you forever for your contributions to the aromatherapy community.

Anonymous said...

My favorite movie line is in the Bucket List. Morgan Freeman asks Jack Nicholson 'Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?' I think you have nailed it. Best wishes in your future.

DEENIE said...

Many blessings and prayers to you Christi. What a wonderful tribute you have written.May you find healing.

Anonymous said...

Christi
A beautiful letter of so long I will not say good-bye. I believe you will be back.
You will be in my prayers every day. God still performs miracles makes no difference what the disease is. God healed my husband of bladder cancer. The doctor wanted to take out his bladder and I said no today he is fine.Keep us informed of your progress. Keep us posted you know we will want to hear from you from time to time.Take care of yourself. Will be praying for you my dear. Thank you for all you have done for every-one . Nature's gift is the go to place. Love and Peace be with you.

Unknown said...

Thanks you for this lovely farewell. You are not only talented as an aromatherapist but also as a writer. I hope you can keep writing.
I have been a customer of Nature's Gift almost as long as you have worked there and I agree with you at how truly heartfelt and with integrity it is. I wish you all the best and put you in my Medicine Buddha bowl for healing.
Ruth Gilbert

Unknown said...

Christi - you, Marge and the entire team at Nature's Gift have given much joy to all of us over the years. Sending prayers and good wishes your way.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your lovely creations. I have enjoyed them through the years. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts.
...carol

Unknown said...

Thank you Christi for your service, inspiring insights, authentic appreciation of essential oils and generosity to the Nature's Gift community.

Ease, comfort and all blessings to you, with heartfelt appreciation, Polly Lazaron

Unknown said...

Although I never met you I have heard so much about you through the years from Marge. Please take care of yourself as you embark upon your healing journey. I know what it is like to live with a long term illness and am sending love and healing your way

tammy said...

Thank for sharing .Great blog posting

Libba Gillum Miller said...

I love purchasing oils from Nature's Gift. I've never met you, but I wish you all the best in your journey. I've been dealing with an autoimmune diagnosis myself for over a year now. I read "Medical Medium" by Anthony William last May, and it has changed my life. Don't give up! and if you are open to it, I hope you will consider reading it as well. Best wishes. Libba

EponaRae said...

Blessing to you, Christie.
May the rest of your Journey be filled with Light, Love and the open-hearted Joy you have given so freely.

~Rae