Posted 4/18/01
Crisis Nursery conference room dedicated in honor of Pat Nelson
By MaryHelen Swanson
The Crisis Nursery of Chisago and Isanti Counties has moved to its bright accommodations in the office building on Elm Street just north of Central Park in North Branch.
At an open house April 12, the conference room at the new site was dedicated to the memory of Pat Nelson, a very special volunteer and shelter home mom to 78 children over the years. She died unexpectedly in March.
Many of Nelsonís family attended the emotional service, as did good friends and families affected by her loving care.
Program Director Julie Lane noted that Nelson was with the Crisis Nursery since its beginning. ìAll of us were really touched by the love and compassion they (Pat and LeRoy) gave the children,î Lane said, commending Patís deep desire to help families.
So warm and welcoming was the Nelson home that children were eager to go there, Lane said, remembering one instance where three kids from rural Isanti County, who had been there before, were standing outside with their belongings in a brown bag waiting to go to Patís house.
ìWhatís in our hearts cannot be expressed,î Lane went on, saying the room dedication was a symbol to everyone of how much Pat loved kids.
One mother talked about how the Nelsons and their children were always there for her. Her daughter had been placed in Patís care since she was a toddler. ìIf you only met Pat once,îthis mom said, ìshe was there forever.î
Lane said dedicating the conference room in Nelsonís honor would help on the tough days. We only have to look at her picture and know we can go on, Lane said.