Fall in Love With Life, 60 x 72 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2008.

We celebrated the life of Ed Henning today. He was the founder and vision behind Henning Mediation and Arbitration Service where I work. Mr. Henning was an accomplished litigator when he decided there was a better way for litigants to resolve disputes. He walked away from a lucrative trial practice to follow his vision of a new way to help people. He is truly the father of mediation in Georgia, an I am proud to be a member of his firm.

Although I only met him once, his kindness made a lasting impact on me beyond my employment.

Shortly after joining Henning Mediation, I received an email informing the mediators that Mr. Henning’s condo in Big Canoe was available if anyone wanted to use it. I was hesitant at first to ask to use it since I had been with the company for such a short  time, but coincidentally, it was fall break for us, and we had no plans. I asked to use it, and India and I were headed to the mountains in no time. We spent a lovely long weekend there in the most beautiful surroundings you can imagine — just the two of us. We took long walks, ate at wonderful restaurants, shopped at outdoor  festivals, and just enjoyed being together. Mr. Henning’s act of kindness will never be forgotten by India and me.

That memorable weekend inspired the quilt Fall in Love with Life. I have trained myself to remember to do just  that each day.  Since I don’ need the quilt anymore to remind me, it is headed to a new home to live with Mrs. Helen Henning.