"Cole and Wayne (Proprietors of the C&W stand)
"I want to tell you how your enterprise brightened the day and weeks of me and my friend Beth. In response to our stop and visit and purchase I wrote the following story. I think I wanted you to know that sometimes your profits cannot be measured. You earned a quarter and you earned the knowledge that you enriched the lives of others.
"Thank you, Don Vincent
Beth and Butterfly
"As the days of summer were shortening and the approach of fall was in the air, a lively 73 year old great grandmother continued her joy and thankfulness for the life that was given to her and the universe to which her days were called to respond to.
"I refer to her as my sister, and could be one in faith or in imagination. On the final Saturday of August 2010 Beth rode with me to Orleans and saw the village and Ethan Allen factory. Upon returning, she mentioned having seen the C&W stand and wanted to stop. So stop we did. The A******** boys were selling lemonade and cookies and homemade applesauce. We visited and noticed cups of green to the side. They were also selling caterpillars on milkweed. Paying her quarter, Beth purchased one and we proceeded on to The REV drive.
"On Sunday her new friend was eating milkweed and living in a jar. The shared life was a joy to Beth as she followed the colorful creature's journey everyday. The first Sunday in September it was attached to the jar lid and forming a cocoon. By Wednesday Beth saw a butterfly release itself from its house of transformation and she opened the jar and let it breathe the air near her gazebo. Having read about the various life cycles of the Monarch she was sure her new friend was preparing to head for Mexico.
"At last report it had flown from Mum to Zinnia and dried out and aired out its wings. What's next God only knows. What we know is that eternity is a long time and we are but caterpillars waiting for what's next. As humans of faith we speak of the loving Spirit that continues creating and we trust the process that wraps us in cocoons - no matter what we call them.
"Faith - Hope - Love"
I read the letter to Wayne and Cole and of course the spiritual references went waaaay over their heads. But what I really tried to impress upon them is that a neighbor took the time to write down how something they did had brought happiness to other people's lives. I'm pretty sure this also went waaaay over their heads, but I'll tuck this letter away in their memory box and someday they'll appreciate it.
That is just so very special! How nice that the Reverend took the time to write to you and include his story. I know when the boys grow older they will understand the significance of this letter much more. You must be one proud momma, Darlene!
ReplyDeleteA real letter is such a nice thing to have... what a neat way to preserve the memories of summer...
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story!! Do you know this Reverend? Maybe he will use it for a Sunday sermon! Your kids are very lucky to have you to inspire them!!
ReplyDeleteThis is the greatest thing. It is even greater than my new computer which I just opened up, hot off the press from the Apple Store in Nice where the hard drive got transfered out of my old machine! The first thing I did was go check your blog and what a DELIGHTFUL story to see in beautiful sharp color. It is so lovely! I agree that sometimes it is so nice to let someone know, even strangers, that they have helped you or given you something special. Great stuff Wayne and Cole and the whole family.
ReplyDeleteMartha, I have to say that I didn't inspire anyone! Don't forget the whole "bookstore" idea was all Cole's. I was hoping they'd forget all about it until Wayne started drawing up plans and Wes started rounding up scaps of lumber. Next thing I know, we're in the potato field selling caterpillars.
ReplyDeleteDarlene you fool hush up and take the credit for pete's sake! ha ha
ReplyDeleteOkay, this brought tears to my eyes......just too sweet for words!
ReplyDeleteRev. Don Vincent...why does that name sound so familiar. Where does he preach Darlene?
Love,
Mary