In Honor of Mom

Friends of my mother from her church gave a "Summersweet" bush as a gift to be planted at the church in my mother's honor. The original plant was brought to the church on the day of Mom's funeral, but it died. The Stremmels took it back to the nursery where they bought it and exchanged it for another one. We were suppose to plant it during Sunday School hour on the day of Mom and Dad's wedding anniversary as part of their church service, but it was raining so hard that morning that we had to put it off until the following Wednesday, August 5th. Family that could, gathered at The Gettysburg Church of the Brethren to once again honor my mother.
Mr. Stremmel digs the hole for the bush.

Dad helps fill in dirt around the plant.

This is my oldest brother Mike giving it some water.

Dad with Mr. and Mrs. Stremmel.

I emailed this picture to the church secretary and it was then put in their September newsletter. Dad says the plant has already made significant growth since it's planting. We hope to one day place a plaque next to it.

At our little service, Mrs. Stremmel talked about when she first met my mother. They were new at church and Mom was in charge of gathering home baked cookies for a large church event. Mrs. Stremmel approached my mother and asked what kind of cookies were needed. Mom acted so overjoyed that Mrs. Stremmel was willing to help. My mother also invited Mrs. Stremmel to come with our family to the Mother/Daughter Banquets. She just felt like my mother went out of her way to see that Mrs. Stremmel was included and felt loved.