Reflection: Serving with HPF leaves indelible memories
In this reflective piece Emma Frost shares some special memories of her 13-plus years of service to HPF. 
Who would have guessed that a second attempt to recruit me for a temp job with HPF would result in 13+ wonderful years with this incredible organization working alongside extraordinary people with the same passions for social justice and equity that I had!
(Pic: Emma, 5th fr left, at her farewell with the HPF team, and Board members reps, in Auckland recently.)
While the beginning of my employment was marked by a huge learning curve adjusting to new systems and relations it also raised my awareness of the mindful and caring values HPF worked by.
This stood in good steed when faced with the passing of firstly Lucy Kapa, whom I had replaced and whose sister I met working at my marae, the husbands of fellow colleagues and mothers and fathers of my colleagues.
Watching time-honoured tikanga implemented by our leaders in HPF through this period demonstrated a strong commitment to the wellbeing of our small but dynamic team. So, no wonder I stayed the distance.
There are so many memories though of the celebrations both professionally and personally that we shared it would 
take a thesis to write them all – NO! Seeing Sione and Trevor become first time grandparents, joining ukulele sessions at the Claddagh with Karen and Barbara, waiata Wednesdays, regular walks of the Domain with our team and sharing cake for each of our birthdays were particular highlights that knitted us together with laughter and fun.
Joining regional, national and international groups engaged in health promotion opened up an entire world of how this work was important on so many levels.
But don’t get me started on trying to figure out time-zones for these people to meet! From the hearty north to the majestic south I enjoyed working with fantastic people who shared their stories of health promotion in the fields they were involved in.
Whether it was as students on the CoA, participants at our workshops or members of HPF they all had that same passion to care for vulnerable communities.
To say how lucky I was to be employed by HPF is an understatement because I have been blessed by this journey and my heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who I had the privilege to meet and work with.
Nga mihi aroha kia koutou katoa.
A poem written by Emma about what retirement means to her:
Picture me perfect:
An ear to hear life’s sounds
Rustling leaves, bubbling water
children’s laughter filling my heart
The joy sounds bring, not see
Just listening, I can
Stop and feel
(©EmmaFrost)