The water is a wonderful place to associate with Garrett! I feel peace in the water but it isn’t a place associated with Alix. I just always loved swimming.
Julie, this post makes me think of the Memorial Tree that was planted for Divine in Miami. It's was also an oak tree that, planted 24 years ago, and it's still growing. Although you never picnicked with Alix, I think you can still plant something in her name, water it, and watch it grow. Sending a hug your way.
I hope you do! And, I can't take credit for the idea. It was a project that happened in partnership with the pediatric oncology department at the time.
So many! For me, it’s the benches we sat on together, on local walks. I have three special ones and it’s been so hot in the UK I haven’t visited them for a while…thank you for reminding me, it’s cooler today and I’m going to head out to spend time on one and leave Dom a message while I’m there 🥰🙏❤️
PS So glad you’re visiting those restaurants you went to with Alix. I bet they’re very special meals now. Bon appetit 😋
Julie, we too have a special tree. One that still is at the house we had in Vegas that was the last thing my husband did with his late FIL before he had a stroke. We still visit and take a picture when we are back in the area each time.
When I drive past my old house, I see the saplings my dad had carried over in a bucket when my son was a baby. They’re now towering trees. Dad’s gone, we no longer live there thanks to divorce, but the trees live on for others to enjoy.
The week after 9/11 one of my sisters put in a new garden bed with nine round stones on one side and eleven in the other. When I see Nilla wafers in the grocery store I think of my dad. They were his favorite store-bought cooky.
Nine stones on one side and eleven on the other is a poignant visual for 9/11. Wonderful to see Nilla wafers in the grocery store and associate them with your dad!
Julie, this is one crazy story. Here I thought Olmstead would be the ultimate tree hugger! I love this. Immersing in the magestic nature of Peru - the mountains, breathing wind, mother earth and Lake Titicaca felt like validation of the healing power of touching places of memory, especially trees. We have a maple we planted in our yard after Ravi died that it just getting past its awkward teenage years. It felt like the tree waited until I was ready for Ravi's love to grow and evolve. Sending love.
How lovely, yes these cherished places and nature’s gifts. Alix with you wherever you dine, are, and travel. As Douglas reminds me, he travels ‘light’ these days. For me, it’s when I bake, I feel Douglas’ presence each and every time. He even makes suggestions. 🍰💜
Such an interesting story. Memorial trees are wonderful tributes to those we've lost.
They do make wonderful tributes and they live on to honor our loved ones.
Olmsted clearly didn’t listen to their vision, or grieving hearts.
Garrett’s favorite place was always in the water. How lucky am I?🥰
The water is a wonderful place to associate with Garrett! I feel peace in the water but it isn’t a place associated with Alix. I just always loved swimming.
Julie, this post makes me think of the Memorial Tree that was planted for Divine in Miami. It's was also an oak tree that, planted 24 years ago, and it's still growing. Although you never picnicked with Alix, I think you can still plant something in her name, water it, and watch it grow. Sending a hug your way.
I love there is an oak tree in honor of Divine! Good idea! Perhaps I will plant something in memory of Alix.
I hope you do! And, I can't take credit for the idea. It was a project that happened in partnership with the pediatric oncology department at the time.
Well it it is a great project and idea no matter the source. I'm impressed the pediatric oncology department contributed!
Places not so much, but each year summer peaches stir memories of my father, and autumn chrysanthemums my mother.
Peaches and autumn chrysanthemums are wonderful ways to evoke your parents!
So many! For me, it’s the benches we sat on together, on local walks. I have three special ones and it’s been so hot in the UK I haven’t visited them for a while…thank you for reminding me, it’s cooler today and I’m going to head out to spend time on one and leave Dom a message while I’m there 🥰🙏❤️
PS So glad you’re visiting those restaurants you went to with Alix. I bet they’re very special meals now. Bon appetit 😋
Enjoy the bench sitting! Great you have specific ones associated with Dom!
God bless you Julie
Julie, we too have a special tree. One that still is at the house we had in Vegas that was the last thing my husband did with his late FIL before he had a stroke. We still visit and take a picture when we are back in the area each time.
Great you are able to still visit the tree in Vegas and photograph it!
What a beautiful way to honor someone we’ve lost. Memories really do live in the places and moments we carry with us.
Agreed! Memories survive in the places and moments.
I never heard about the Choate family tragedy and Olmstead’s misreading of the family’s wishes. Glad they stood firm.
I’m glad they stood firm too! Olmsted missed the whole point of their building the house there in the first place.
When I drive past my old house, I see the saplings my dad had carried over in a bucket when my son was a baby. They’re now towering trees. Dad’s gone, we no longer live there thanks to divorce, but the trees live on for others to enjoy.
Great you can drive by and still see the saplings your father planted!
The week after 9/11 one of my sisters put in a new garden bed with nine round stones on one side and eleven in the other. When I see Nilla wafers in the grocery store I think of my dad. They were his favorite store-bought cooky.
Nine stones on one side and eleven on the other is a poignant visual for 9/11. Wonderful to see Nilla wafers in the grocery store and associate them with your dad!
I think of my daughter at the beach where she loved so much.
The beach is a beautiful setting to evoke Morgan!
Yes it’s my happy place.
Mine too! Along with pools. I love to be in the water!
Julie, this is one crazy story. Here I thought Olmstead would be the ultimate tree hugger! I love this. Immersing in the magestic nature of Peru - the mountains, breathing wind, mother earth and Lake Titicaca felt like validation of the healing power of touching places of memory, especially trees. We have a maple we planted in our yard after Ravi died that it just getting past its awkward teenage years. It felt like the tree waited until I was ready for Ravi's love to grow and evolve. Sending love.
Love to you too! I’m glad you can go out in the yard to visit with the maple planted for Ravi and that it has just graduated from “teenagedom!”
What a story! I would have thought Olmsted was more of a preservationist.
There are definitely places I associate with those who have passed. It gets easier over time to return to them.
When I first visited my mother in Florida without my daughter, it was difficult. It has gotten easier along with other places.
🫶🫶🫶
How lovely, yes these cherished places and nature’s gifts. Alix with you wherever you dine, are, and travel. As Douglas reminds me, he travels ‘light’ these days. For me, it’s when I bake, I feel Douglas’ presence each and every time. He even makes suggestions. 🍰💜
Oh how wonderful to have Douglas there while you bake and making suggestions!