As hours have passed, I have found out the details of our wonderful gift. Laurie Turley has visited Elizabeth in the hospital and knows how much she enjoys the view of the hospital garden, especially during stays when she is in isolation and cannot leave her room (like the last 19 day stay!). Everyone also knows how special butterflies are to Liz and how no matter what, they flutter by her window daily during each hospital stay and seem to dance around her often as she has normal days outside of the hospital. Anyway, Laurie knows that Liz appreciates the beauty and serenity of a garden. So, she organized the huge project as a surprise gift. Isn't that amazing?!
If you think that is amazing, you will smile at hearing what I learned today- that dozens of friends and even people who don't personally know our family came together on Saturday to work in our yard and get everything planted. I can only imagine how awesome it was for our neighbors to see person after person arrive at our home to work. Laurie also shared that in the days after planting, friends continued to stop by and leave things in the garden - butterflies, flags, chimes. A local landscaper planned the garden and delivered the plants (I will get his company name and share that soon!).
Laurie and all involved had hoped that everyone would remain anonymous which is just another example of the selfless act this project was. laurie also made me promise not to write thank you notes...and I will try hard to keep my word. I will say here though.... THANK YOU. Thank you all for showing our family such kindness and generosity. Know that this gift touched us in ways so much more than the beauty of having the garden. Laurie said she wanted Liz to have a place to watch her butterflies and have beauty around her outside on days she is kept home while sick, being out of school, or because of being immunosuppressed. I can assure you all that each of these things will happen.
There are no words to express exactly what I wish to say and thank you doesn't seem enough.
For those who helped- know that your time and effort will be remembered each time I water the garden, or watch Liz enjoy the flowers or squeal over seeing yet another butterfly.
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| Our empty flowerbeds had been beautifully landscaped! |
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| The garden is FULL of butterfly-attracting plants. Elizabeth said "Mom, doesn't this remind you of the hospital; the good part of the hospital? I LOVE the butterfly garden" |
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| Do I think the fact that butterflies seem to surround Liz as she goes through life is a coincidence? Absolutely not. Butterflies start out so constrained and useless as they stay bound in the process of waiting for the time to spread their wings. And then, they dance. They complete the process of change, open up free of their cocoon....and they dance. That is my Liz. |
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