Saturday, May 21, 2011

A Time of Decision

THE  END  OF  AN  ERA !
To see our sale prices scroll to the bottom...
Our family was rocked to the core on February 25th of this year when we discovered that my wife, the light of my life, has stage 4 pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to her liver.  This photo was taken shortly after, at a family gathering at the home of a family member.









Since then, terms like, Chemo have become a natural part of our daily lives.
















Chemo is not pleasant.  JoLyn is on a "mild" chemo that is designed to fight the rapid growth of her tumors, give quality of life, relief from pain and hopefully give us more precious time with her.












JoLyn has a great attitude and she has been an inspiration to hundreds if not thousands around the world as news of her condition spread.  I have posted nightly to a blog that updates everyone on her progress and the news of our family.  we  have had over 20,000 page views!  We have been in awe at the outpouring of love directed toward our family.

You can follow our blog for JoLyn at:
http://www.jolynsjourney.blogspot.com/

That blog has been my therapy.  I am able to review each day and then count our blessings.  Not a bad way to end a day!






Due to the massive costs of fighting cancer, some wonderful friends organized a fundraiser.  It was a tremendous success.  It came at a critical time for our family early in our fight.  Other incredible friends gave generous donations that helped us meet some of the pressing bills we were faced with at that early time.

President Monson wrote JoLyn a letter telling that her name has been placed on the prayer roll of the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve.  She is also on the prayer roll of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and in many temples throughout the world.  We have felt those prayers along with the prayers of many individuals and families around the world.










JoLyn made the news on multiple stations.  It is a hard way to make news!













We are settling in to our new lifestyle.  It has "no" relationship to our past.  Our lives were changed permanently on February 25th.  We realize that they will never be the same.

One of my main concerns is my future role for our six beautiful kids the "real" Hansen Classics!  We still have four at home and I need to attend to their needs now and in the future, a future that is uncertain at best.  We are determined to make every day count. 













We have a great happiness awaiting us in just a short time.  On June 10th our oldest son, Marshall will be married to his sweetheart, Ray DeJesus in the Draper Temple!  This is a joyful event!











NOW...

Since this is a blog about Hansen Classics I wanted to start by bringing you up to date on my difficult family situation. 

NOW, I would like to bring you up to date with the situation facing Hansen Classics.








As many of you know, I have been in business for over 30 years.  This business has been a joy even though it has had its share of challenges.












Unfortunately all of our principle markets have failed.  Under the current circumstances it is no longer possible to meet the factory's required minimum to place orders for product or to afford the expense of container shipments, overhead etc. 

It is difficult to see this business fail.  It is killing me.  So much of who I am is tied up in this business. 

As you can see from the picture, our inventory is very limited. 

Our celebrated artist, Florence P. Hansen will be 91 on June 14th.  She has seen a lot of history!  Her talent is capturing the emotion of expression with an eye to detail.  Her sculpting evokes memories of family, patriotism and a reverence for the sacred.  Her works, through the medium of Hansen Classics have been the selected gift to many national and world leaders.  They have delighted and touched the hearts of thousands of private collectors worldwide.  One of our great rewards over our years in business has been the many expressions of gratitude we have received from our customers.

Even now, Florence is working on a sculpt in the hope that someday we will be able to return to active business. 





I have reached that point in my business career where it will be necessary to close our doors here. 

We have a limited selection of figurines that we will offer at a generous sale price.  Please understand that I have now been "unemployed" in my own business since February.  I am hoping that I will be able to generate enough income from the sale of our remaining inventory and assets to bridge the widening gap between "now" and a future "landing place".

It is not easy to reinvent yourself at 56.  Under the new circumstances facing our family, I will need to find a way to work from home in a flexible schedule that will allow me to meet the needs of my family and still provide a sustainable income.  That is going to be a challenge in today's world.  I have always been successfully self employed and this has me way out of my comfort zone...  I only worked for someone else for two evenings.  I didn't like it!




I started working with my mother's art and porcelain over 50 years ago.  It will be incredibly hard to say goodbye.  I want to thank everyone who has helped to make those years wonderful: artists, employees, customers and vendors. 



"In The Arms of His Love"

Ultimately, we are "all" in the arms of His love.  This life was meant to be a test and my family is taking an advanced class!  I also realize that many people are going through major trials now.

On behalf of Pat, my manager and dear friend, and my family, I want to thank you for your loyalty over these many years.  It has been a wonderful experience.  There won't be another like it for me...

May God bless you . . . may He bless us all . . .


7 comments:

  1. Chad & Pat,
    I can hear the pain in your voice as I read these words. How many times did we sit and ponder the future of Hansen Classics together. There will never be another business to work for as fine as Hansen's. I enjoyed every minute of my 15 years with you and Pat. I met so many wonderful people and made life long friends. We had the most devoted customers. It was an honor to write the poetry that accompanied several of Florence's sculptures. I was often so inspired to write and put my voice to a tender moment captured in a sculpture. She is an amazing woman and I am so lucky to know her.
    Chad, "You Can Do Hard Things" remember this as you press forward. I will be praying for you, Jolyn & the kids.
    All my love and respect,

    Shelly Isom

    ReplyDelete
  2. Any Grandmothers Reading to young child left? I don't know the correct title of it. Would love one if there are any left.

    Chad, I love these porcelains! I love you and Jo even more! I'm following your blog and I thank you for it! Please ask Jo if she remembers going to the, theater with me in L.A. Phyllis (Quinn) Wagner Australia

    ReplyDelete
  3. I know you have a limited amount of figurines left. Do you by chance have one of the Hales sitting on a sofa, called "Twilight?" If so I would like to purchase it - but where would I need to come?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Is there any possibility of finding a smaller Woman in Prayer? My Deseret Book only has the large one. Also, I am looking for In the Family Circle. Is there some way you could point me in the right direction to find these? They bring such peace and comfort to me every time I see them. I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my husband and some 7 months apart, and these two sculptures especially are so comforting to me and I would like to share them with others in my family

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have a wonderful memory of meeting Sister Hansen many years ago. Let me know if you would like me to share the story.
    Maree Webb, Salt Lake City, Utah

    ReplyDelete
  6. There was a beautiful, 12-inch lady, with her arms spread out. She was a gift from the hospital staff and Idaho Falls when my mom retired after 40 years. My mom was cleaning and she pulled the whole curio cabinet down on top of her, and many things were broken. This beloved statue is one of them. We have looked everywhere and cannot find her. I'm hoping that by some miracle there is one in your shop or that the mall doors original Statue is still there.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have a question about a Hanson Bronze that my Mother has. Is there someone available that I could speak with.

    ReplyDelete