Love sent out into the world really does rebound multiple times

Immediately after the dedication ceremony last Sunday, the family received many compliments on the garden and the ceremony.  And, my Mom, received many compliments and heartfelt remarks on her speech. "... the garden is the last physical gift Dick gave Newfield but not the last spiritual one.." These reactions made all the efforts worthwhile and provided a glow to our individual souls as well as smiles on our faces.

But one reaction really did prove that my father's brand of encouragement lives on in others.   A few days after the ceremony, we opened a card and it was a thank you note.  The words inside were so sweet and thoughtful.  The note had been sent by a couple that knew/know my father and mother from church.  To receive validation that we "had done the right thing" for the town by donating the garden was just icing on the cake.