Sunset Corner

In January, I posted a story about finding shade for one of Mother and my favorite benches. Situated on the Heinz Walkway overlooking Lake Macatawa, the west-facing bench was the only bench protected from the afternoon sun. We called it “Cottonwood Corner,” a place of peace and tranquility shaded by seven leafy cottonwood trees.
 
Sadly, disease struck, and summer leaves began disappearing. First one tree became a skeleton of silver, then the next. The city of Holland removed all seven last autumn.  
 
On December 28th, I met with Andy Kenyon, Director of the Holland Parks and Recreation Department, to ask if the trees might be replaced. And quickly. Mother is 97. I did not want her last memory of Cottonwood Corner to be that of the stumps.
 
It took only two months for three small red sunset maples to appear beside the walkway! 
 
Donning winter coats and gloves, Mother and I strolled along the path to welcome the trees. We talked about the hours of joy we hope to experience this spring while sitting on the bench watching the leaves unfold, the fishing poles dangle from nearby railings, and the boats skim across the water. Mother and I decided to rename our corner “Sunset Corner.” 
 
So many reasons to do so.
 
It could not have happened—and happened so quickly—without the warm weather, a responsive team of city employees, and the support of so many who share our dream of making nature more accessible to seniors in Michigan communities. 
 
Thank you.