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| Petey Hoyle at "Petey's Tree" |
The
Tree Of Hope represents the transformations we are privileged to hear, see, or
be a part of in the Trail of Hope gardens. They are not just gardens. We hope
to be able to somehow share some of the many testimonies that have enriched our
lives. Petey's Tree is the Tree of Hope. Even though Petey is limited by MD, he
is living life to the fullest and inspires us. It was such a pleasure to be
with Petey as he chooses the colors for the birdhouses, and to see the
transformation take place. He would pause from time to time, and comment on how
much he was enjoying himself, and how happy it made him. His birdhouses give
the tree new life, and another purpose. It is a symbol of hope, and will also
be homes for new life to begin in the birdhouses. Even though Petey has many
hills to climb, he is able to do something to find joy, and add joy to other’s
lives. When I walk through the gardens, and see Petey's Tree, I smile
remembering Petey's happiness in painting the birdhouses into a thing of
beauty. I also feel some sadness. He was only able to be with us for a
week as a Week of Hope volunteer. We would have loved to spend more time with
him. He physically won't be with us, but will forever be in our hearts, not for
what he couldn't do, but for what he could. God bless you Petey.
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| Petey painting |
(On Thursday
the “Tree of Hope” was just a dead white pine in the woods, by Friday this dead
tree had been transformed into the “Tree of Hope.” A tree of hope and inspiration.)
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| Petey with the Week of Hope "There is Always Hope" |
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Unknown Said,
Wow Mark that is a remarkable story! What an amazing kid! I wish I would have had the chance to work with him when we were there for week of hope in june! I attend Michigan school for the deaf and there are many kids that are deaf and have the same disability so it's really cool to see that they can still reach out and do so much for a community to matter their walls in life! Thanks so much for sharing this!
..
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 12:01:00 PM EDT
Melanie_H Said,
Wow awesome! Can't wait to hopefully come back and see the trail!
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 07:18:00 PM EDT
Melanie_H Said,
Wow awesome! Can't wait to hopefully come back and see the trail!
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 07:29:00 PM EDT
Unknown Said,
this is just an inspiring story, im sure Peter had a great remarkable experience at his time there..its soo inspiring to see kids come together to make a great change to the trail of hope that will never be forgotten <3
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 09:05:00 PM EDT
Dan Said,
Petey, I enjoyed reading about your tree and how it will be something that many will enjoy as they visit the Trail of Hope. I too spent a week there and my crew and I built the Noah's Ark. I hope you enjoyed your time there.
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 09:24:00 PM EDT
caseyc255 Said,
I am so glad that Petey is able to inspire others through what he has accomplished at the trail of hope. God bless you Petey!
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 09:50:00 PM EDT
Justice For Dean Said,
Petey was under my care during our time at Trail of Hope with Week of Hope. Petey has been my friend for a long time and has a very special place in my heart. To read the words of those so inspired by Petey without even meetng him really touches me. Petey always has a smile but doesn't always give himself the credit he deserves or the confidence he should. During our week in Lyons NY Petey stretched his wings, he participated, painted, lead worship and never complained. He makes it easy to forget my own pains and discomfort and quickly reminds me of the importance of the smile. Thanks to all of you for your kind words. May you all be blessed with meeting Petey one day. And thanks again Mark, I hope we get to work together again soon.
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 10:56:00 PM EDT
Unknown Said,
That is amazing. And the "Trail of Hope" was a great expierence and I can't wait to come back and see it!
Posted on Mon Jul 30, 11:25:00 PM EDT
Videomark Said,
Today we had visitors from Holland visit "Petey's Tree."
Posted on Sun Aug 12, 05:04:00 PM EDT