#2541 Saturday with Sandy

I wrote a post yesterday, but didn't publish it because I wanted to add photos. For some reason, though, my photos weren't uploading from my phone to iCloud. I have solved the issue now, but I've decided to completely change what I was going to write about! The unpublished post was a recap of my day, but when I saw this photo...

...I changed my mind. 

The memorial plate in the photo is attached to a bench that looks over the big waterfall in Red Butte Garden. I have posted dozens of photos of this waterfall over the years. Here's one from yesterday that I took while sitting on the bench.. 

I have sat on the bench with Patty Spring's name on it many times as I have gazed at the falls. There is a big tree that provides cooling shade and a little breeze on hot summer days. I've seen families sit on the bench to watch the ducks in the late spring and summer. I've seen people sit there to read or just to stare, as I have, at the falls, listening to the water and watching the reflections ripple. I don't think I have ever paid attention to the little plaque on the bench until yesterday, even though I know it has been there all along. For some reason, it caught my eye yesterday.

You see, I knew Patty Spring. She was the beloved wife of a man I worked with. Patty was a lovely woman, full of energy and always smiling. In 2002, she carried the Olympic torch from just outside the town of Richfield into the actual town. Our company loaded up two busses of employees to cheer her on. I know I have some photos of that day, but I don't remember where they are at the moment. 

Patty had breast cancer and passed away in 2004. I didn't realize she had volunteered at Red Butte Garden; her time there was way before my time even started. Seeing her name on that bench really made me remember her pretty smile, her energy, and her kindness, even though I only met her a couple of times. 

I'm so glad I took a minute to look back at the bench I sat on yesterday and had a memory of a nice lady who also loved the Garden. What a beautiful tribute her husband, family, and friends made to her by putting her name on that bench in what I think is one of the finest spots in all of Red Butte Garden.