Memorial Bench

We had wanted to do some kind of memorial for Dad at Otis Park Golf Course. He loved it there. It IS a beautiful and peaceful place. I can see why he loved it so much. So we thought a stone or some kind of marker. But I had seen a memorial bench out there and I thought that was a good idea.

Originally, it was just going to have Dad's name on it. But then, he and Mom would walk out there in the evenings and she would bird watch. I was out there one night and I saw a friend, Georgann Mullis and her husband, Terry. They started talking about how they used to see Mom and Dad out there walking all the time. So, I thought Mom's name should be on there, too. Very neat that Dad shared "his" world with Mom. Besides, I feel like they are forever linked now. If Dad had died at some other time than Mom, perhaps we would have done something just for him. But the way it happened--they will always be together. (I used to call them the PU--Parental Unit--they truly are one "unit" now.) Anyway, I asked Bob Drehobl if he knew who I should contact regarding getting a limestone bench. He took it from there (Thanks Uncle Bob!). It had to be limestone--Mom's (and Bob's) father was a stone draftsman in the limestone industry. Bob, as well.

One time, Dad got a hole-in-one on #3, so we knew we wanted it to be placed in that area. I remember when he got the hole-in-one, but I'm not sure what year it was. Mike Mitchell of the Bedford Parks Department was very accommodating--they picked up the bench and placed it for us. If you are on # 3 tee looking at the green, the bench is to the left of the green by the fence and cart path. You can drive up to the shelter and see it also. This is an area where Georgann said she had seen Mom bird watching many times. Perfect.

My dear friend, Lori Wagner, wrote, "Can’t you just see your Mom and Dad smiling and delighted by this bench? It is beautiful!!! If spirits exist, can’t you just see them walking and taking a rest on that bench?" I love these images. Thank you, Lori.

Dad's golfing buddy, Gene Anderson, emailed: "Gene Humes and I sat on the beautiful bench, memorial to your mother and father, Betty and Paul yesterday. We sat there for a few minutes just remembering." Thank you, Gene.

I'm so glad we did the bench. I will visit it often.

I miss you and love you, Mom and Dad.

Susie