Jeff’s father, Ritchie, passed away in the fall. My Grandma sent money for us to create a garden memorial in his honor and my Mom sent a gift certificate to a local nursery so we could plant a fruit tree to remember him by. Then my Uncle Chuck sent prayer flags from his trip in Tibet for Jeff’s dad. 

With these generous gifts, we began the Garden Memorial for Ritchie this spring. 

It is in the very beginning stages, we have so many dreams and ideas for it. Every time I look at it, it gives me a deep feeling of peace and it’s our new favorite spot to go and sit quietly. 

We decided to place it by the front pond. From here, you can see the river down below and the mountains across the river. You can see the lower garden, the chickens, and the goats. 

Jeff’s dad would have loved it. 

So here’s what we’ve done so far- we set up a cedar bench. Then we planted a blueberry plant on each side (Ritchie loved blueberries and they were all out of fruit trees when we went to pick it out.) Then we strung the prayer flags from bamboo poles on either side. And we spread chips around. 

It’s the start of something very beautiful.

Looks like we might even get some blueberries this year. I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about that! 

The prayer flags were a little wrinkled on the first day, but the rain has been smoothing them right down.

I can just picture Ritchie smiling down at this memorial. The country boy at heart who would love to sit next to us and see this gorgeous view, while eating sweet summer blueberries by the handful.