By Sherry Larson

People’s Defender

Hope – a longing – an expectation – an anticipation.

“We hope you’re well.”

Sometimes – someone comes up with a great idea. And if that idea comes from your child – you share it. Not to boast – but because you know this amazing person and sharing the love is always the right thing to do.

Blake Larson, Executive Chef at Hope Springs Institute, wanted the people in Adams County to “connect” with the Institute and bring awareness to the nonprofit. As she noodled on the importance of relational space, she quickly realized that the concept she was feeling led to share was more significant than connecting a community with a particular place.

Her idea sparked from the inspiration of bridges she’d burned and much personal growth. Larson said, “Life moves fast, and moods shift faster.” Many of us have difficulty keeping in touch with people we love because the pace of our everyday lives gets in the way. Larson’s message, “If you haven’t spoken to a friend, you had a falling out with years ago, maybe you’re afraid to reach out – let them know you hope they’re well. If your own mental illness has gotten in the way of asking your homies if they are okay, let them know you hope they’re well. Life is too short to end the conversation.”

After meeting beloved farmers and homesteaders Corbett and Carol Phipps, Tom and Karen Wuest, and Happy Turtle Acres Farm in Adams County, Larson knew she wanted to bring more of local farms to folks’ tables. She was inspired by the gooseberries she picked with her new friend Phipps and drew the body of a goose with the head of a blackberry. The “gooseberry” symbolizes “We Hope You’re Well” and celebrates connection and reconnection.

Each order from “We Hope You’re Well” comes with a hand-drawn and stamped postcard by artist Colleen Crawford. Larson said, “We want you to reach out to that person who weighs on the back of your mind. We will make it easy for you. You don’t have to say you’re sorry; you don’t have to tell them you miss them, just wish them well. We don’t have to complicate it; let’s build this bridge together—one good intention at a time.”

“We hope you’re well” is a mini-movement and “hopes” to continue growing. The movement offers merchandise like aprons, stickers, and soon-to-come beanies. Larson continually thinks of ways to inspire, connect, and give back to her new community.

Keep up with “Hope You’re Well” on Instagram @wehopeyourewell to learn about dinners, community connection, and how to purchase merchandise.

Larson’s wish to all her new friends (and soon-to-be friends) in Adams County, “I hope you’re well. We can’t always promise perfection and connection, but we can, at least, wish the best for each other.”