On a recent late summer drive through the woods, I noticed a rogue tree every now and then that has actually started turning colors. The randomness of this has always intrigued me. It will be weeks before the rest of the trees follow suit but for as long as I can remember, there have always been these "early birds".

I used to see them and think, "there is one in every crowd". Those who just can't get with the program and definitely dance to a different drumbeat. But as I have become older and wiser, I no longer see these trees as non-conformists but rather as leaders.

They are the first to change. They are the first to take that leap into the unknown and do what they feel is right for them. Even when no one else around them is doing it. They don't care what the others are doing. They are following their own timetable. They are following their heart.

We here at Home Instead are like those trees. We are working hard to be leaders in the home care industry. Not only do we do things differently from many companies i.e. scheduling way in advance, having consistent shifts, matching CG's and clients for long term success, surveys, etc., but we are trying to raise the bar in quality of our Care Pro's and our services.

You are a big part of that. We have the best care pro team that we have ever had! That is in large part due to each of you! Kudos to one and all! Hopefully, when you see that odd colored tree among the green mass, you can see a little part of flesruoy.

When I see the leader trees now, I think, "Good for you! You do you and show the rest how it's done."