Truly in Memory-am

The park in which I take my walks (around the river) is full of benches that are dedicated (and donated) in someone's memory.

Several weeks ago, I walked by one bench decorated with coloured, crepe streamers.

A couple days after that, another had a card taped to it and a small bunch of white flowers.

Tonight, on yet another, there were three separate bunches of brightly coloured flowers tied to the sides and top of the bench. The young woman to whom the bench was dedicated died at age 20.

With so many fundraising items in this world, donated in memory of someone, it is rather nice to see that the memories of these people are truly alive - not just in the minds and hearts of their loved ones, but in every single one of us who stroll or run or bike through that park. For all the sense of community and togetherness these types of initiatives try to achieve, this town, this park, and these people are succeeding. Effortlessly. Truly creates a feeling of love in the air.