The Story of Living Waters Garden
I had the privilege of walking through a newly opened garden on our campus with the main donor. The garden has 10 fountains, dripping wisteria, dancing irises and showy clematis. We strolled casually around the place examining the landscape, the fountains and the seating. There were several people enjoying the splashing sounds of the high fountains and others mesmerized by the gentle gurgle of the low ones. Conversations and huddles of folks who were being rejuvenated in the embrace of nature.
As we walked, he shared, “I cry a lot these days, but I’m filled with joy.” He shared his losses over the decades, including times when he lost a child to painful choices, gained grandchildren through the hardship and watched a child whither under the grip of cancer. He also shares how he met his wife of 60 years and how challenging it is to provide care to someone so precious and vulnerable now living in residential care. He tells the story of how he met her and how intimidating her brothers were when he came to pick her up on the first date. He laughs about buying his first car – flashy and powerful. He laughs at his impetuous younger self. He wanted to show his in-laws that he could be successful and provide for their precious girl. He’s still loving and providing for that precious girl.