I went there, looking for possible settings for some photo assignments.
I left with a few ideas and some very poignant reflections.
This magical, whimsical and beautiful area, created and continually maintained by a dedicated group of visionaries, provides beauty, quiet, peace and wonderful reminders of serenity of life, not only of the living but also honoring those no longer with us.
Linda Plaster, a creative and loving soul, was one of those original visionaries, enough so that a beautiful display in her honor within the garden was dedicated in 2017.
Linda was truly a friend to all who knew her. My personal experience involved time spent with her and her family in preparation for a story about the tragic death of her husband Mike.
Such graciousness at such a sad time in her life.
Some time later, she surprised me with a beautifully crafted huge bouquet of flowers in appreciation for the story I had written.
Later, Linda came to the rescue over the weekend of Aug. 11, 2021, when our son Willie married his bride Debbie.
A last-minute glitch had happened with the original floral decorations for St. Joseph's Church.
Linda dropped everything, jumped in and almost single-handedly adorned the pews and other parts of the church with the most beautiful decorations.
Such selfless generosity.
Yes, Linda deserves a special place in the visual memories at the healing garden as do so many others in our community who gave of themselves and who have sadly passed from our lives.
Such beauty and serenity---the memories of these people have inspired.
On this weekend of reflection, it seems appropriate to share some of the beauty at our healing garden.
I would also like to share some other beautifully crafted and heartfelt words uttered yesterday in Pennsylvania by one of our former Presidents.
His entire speech can be heard in the video toward the bottom of today's post.
It's an important speech which echoes the words I've heard from so many thoughtful people during this time of remembering one of the most horrific days of American history.
We are going through extremely tough times now where there is much sadness and far too much animosity at a time when we need huge doses of strength, caring, understanding and generosity of spirit.
Sorta like Linda Plaster exemplified pretty much every day of her life.
We also could use some determination toward healing.
President Bush's words so beautifully remind us of what we have been in the past and what we can do to set ourselves back on track toward the America we once knew and loved.
Hope you listen to the whole speech. It's well worth the time.
Let's at least try to heal and move forward toward better tomorrows.
Happy Sunday.
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