for memorial service at
76th TGCI Annual Convention
2007
A Gathering of Garden Friends
We gather here today to say goodbye to friends
Because we all are gardeners, we know life never ends.
It starts with tiny seeds of hope and eagerly shoots forth
Then strengthens taking firm foothold where roots entwine with earth.
Eventually in prime of life, a blossom will appear.
The fascinating beauty and scent we will hold dear.
We relish in its perfect form so delicately made
Just as the flowers gathered here, and in this basket laid.
Each one a little different in form or function held.
Each one a special unique life whose time on earth spent well.
But as we know the flower’s task is brief and simply stated
The bees will come, the seed will form, the flower petals fade.
Our friends we now remember are not unlike these blooms.
They brought about new life or touched lives in this room!
We gaze upon our basket here with all colors and forms
And know our special gardening friends, return to earth, so warm.
Just as in our gardens when flowers fade and all are done,
We compost our plants and flowers to return where they’d begun.
And so the cycle goes as dust then becomes dust,
We fittingly say goodbye as we all know that we must….
As we close this memorial service, reflect upon your lives
You all are special friends, maybe husbands, moms, or wives.
What matters most is how we choose to spend the time we have
To tell our friends we love them, to share a story and a laugh.
As stewards of the earth be mindful of our task
Inspiring those around us and make sure that it lasts.
For as we say farewell to each of these special friends,
Let us commit to spend our time well, before our chances end.
sbn 4/16/07
