Thank You For A Lovely Time

Thank you for a lovely time.
Rita and Ray, Ray and Rita, no matter how you say it, it sounds right.
Rita had been Ray's sidekick ever since I met him through the Master Gardener program. Ray and I shared a love of gardening and a love of writing. Ray was the professional--a technical writer by trade and a creative writer in retirement. Ray mentored me in writing, and I shared with him tips on gardening. Some of the best days were spent exchanging tit-for-tat at the Cooperative Extension Service.
Our paths diverged when I took a job in Atlanta, but we would see each other occasionally when I visited St. Mary Magdalene's. Rita and Ray were involved with St. Mary's from the ground up. The church is nestled in one of the most peaceful vistas in Coweta County.
Rita and I hooked up on Facebook and enjoyed staying in touch. Ray gave it a pass; it wasn't for him.
This past Christmas, Rita missed the Christmas Eve service for the first time in her life. After the holidays, I noticed it had been a long time since I had seen anything posted from her online. I missed her and wondered how she was. The answer I hoped not to hear came nearly as soon as I asked the question.
A service at St. Mary Magdalene's was held for Rita. We paid our respects and said goodbye. In the language of flowers, Sweetpea means, "Good-bye, Departure, Blissful Pleasure, Thank You for a Lovely Time."
Today, I learned my favorite Master Gardener writer, Ray, passed away--news I never wanted to hear. You will be fondly remembered.

Thank you, Rita and Ray for a lovely time. ~ Carolyn


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