Twenty years ago this month, 1999, I climbed the 14 steep stairs to the second floor of 1599 Maple Ave. to get my first peek of a newly opened holistic health care (the term used in the late ’90s). The newly painted walls, cozy waiting room and newly decorated treatment rooms were inviting patients and clients in for outstanding care. The big empty room around the corner from the waiting room called me in. This was the room in which I would launch my tai chi teaching on my own during the first week in October. Heartwood opens, September, 1999.

So many stories to tell. So many lives improved through the centuries-old, gentle tai chi movements. I feel so grateful for the wonderful people who have joined me in class on the path to improved health. Through this blog I have told some of their stories, heartwarming, inspiring and showing much courage.

So, right now I want to say ‘thank you’ to each of you this reaches, for your support, your determination and your not giving up as you move forward to live a healthy life. You have shown up. You continue to show up. You continue to enrich my life and teaching every single week. A big Tai Chi salute to you, all my students in Evanston and Chicago.

Enjoy some pictures from then and now.