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Linnea Residence, in Chisago City,  is a group home for developmentally challenged individuals.  

The community there recently experienced a long time member’s passing, his name was Timothy Schwinn.  He was a gentle soul with a huge personality. He loved life, his housemates and his daily routines.  

Most of all he loved earning his Friday RED balloon from the day program at the Chisago Lakes Achievement Center.  

Tim, 57,  died April 19 while a patient with Fairview Hospice Care, which was an absolutely wonderful program.

Linnea held a celebration of life June 28 at Green Lake Cemetery and released 57 red balloons to honor Tim. A card with a poem was attached to each balloon and the card had a return address asking for anyone who found a balloon-- to return the card with a note telling where and when the finder came upon the balloon.

Linnea Residence got a card back in the mail July 17.  It was postmarked from Wilimington, Delaware.  

There was no return address but the finder, “Brenda” included a cellphone picture of someone’s hand holding the card, with the ocean and beach in the background and a very sweet letter.  The balloon was still attached when the card was found.  The balloon had traveled 1,225 miles to Rehoboth Beach on the Atlantic and was found on a beautiful day overlooking the ocean. Tim would have loved it.

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