Wandering Along the Path: Right Speech

My former teacher is having a birthday next month and former students are raising money for a Jizo Garden in her honor.  It's a lovely idea, and I'm happy to give towards that goal.  She has dementia now, and yet she will know, I'm certain, that Jizos represent her compassion and sitting with so many people over the years who suffered a loss:  miscarriage, parent, child sibling, friend.  She was so courageous about sitting with the dying, and not turning away from that painful experience.  She is also a master gardener, so what more perfect remembrance of her  could there be?  We've all been feeling the loss of her sharp mind, and loving her the more.  Our memories of her are intact.  We carry them in our hearts.  Gratitude is essential to express, and while the person is alive rather than afterward.  This project is an opportunity to give back a bit of what she's given us over the years.