07/01/2026
One of the greatest joys of running our greenhouse isn't just watching the plants grow. It is the wonderful people we meet along the way. Every season, customers walk through our doors, and sometimes, a few leave a lasting impression on our hearts.
A sweet, elderly lady with beautiful, long white hair stole our hearts a few seasons ago. We quickly and affectionately came to know her as "Aunt Mandy." She visited us multiple times, bringing a warmth that filled the entire greenhouse.During one of her visits, we started chatting about where she was from. As it turned out, she grew up in the exact same area of Ohio as our mom! We quickly bonded over shared memories. We talked about our absolute favorite store, Lehman's, and Aunt Mandy completely surprised us by revealing that it was actually her family's store. What are the chances? We also talked about our mom's favorite restaurant, the Hartville Kitchen, and she proudly shared that her niece works there and that when we go to visit the bakery to give her niece a hug from her. The world felt so small, beautifully connected, and filled with joy in that moment. It made my brother and I feel like our mom was in the greenhouses with us as we visited with Aunt Mandy.
I looked forward to those heartfelt conversations all winter. As the weather warmed up, I couldn't wait for Aunt Mandy to walk through our doors this spring. When she didn’t come, a quiet worry set in. I decided to look up her name, only to learn the heartbreaking news that she had passed away our opening week. My heart was truly broken. Every time we drive past where she lived I think of her. In reading her obituary, I learned how many children and grand children and great grandchildren she had. She truly sounds like she was an amazing woman. I do not know any of her family, but I wanted to share this memory to let her family know just how much light she brought into our lives. Aunt Mandy was a beautiful soul. She brought so much kindness to our greenhouse, and she will never be forgotten here.
To her family: Thank you for sharing her with us. She made our world a brighter place. I stopped and visited her last night and brought her a butterfly. I don't know if she liked butterflies, but I imagine she did.
💚Let all that you do be done in love." – 1 Corinthians 16:14
