Reflections

What is it about this place that makes it so special. For me, it is a combination of the enormous historical significance and perhaps more important is the people that you encounter.

We share a bond of respect, love and reverence for this great President and celebrate all he accomplished for the betterment of this country.

So here are some reflections from my kindred spirits.

Paul S., Director of the FDR Presidential Library. “This is a sacred place and we are all so lucky to play a part.”

Fran, a National Park Service Ranger. who makes the daily tour schedule. “You are part of our family.”

Reverend Chuck of St. James Episcopal Church. His sermon reminded me to love God, love yourself, and only then can you love your neighbor.

Doris Mack, 97 years young and still volunteering at Val-Kill.

Paul Lenci, who was my first mentor two years ago. Here he is leading my first tour. Good friend who showed me around Vassar on this trip.

Susan, who is the Rose Garden Gardener who kindly took my photo beside the gravesite.

Len, another Docent, who shares my love for this special place.

John, an Irishman, now living in Long Island, and I had a long talk in the Rose Garden, early in the morning. Paying our respects, he said that his family thinks he is nuts for coming back here time after time, but said I just can’t explain it. I said that I got it and share that feeling. But…it is inexplicsble.

Two young women from Atlanta who hiked with me on a trail down to the Hudson.

A woman who was born in Holland and raised by her single mother. Her father was killed by the Nazi.

An older woman who lived in Berlin during WWII, and the horror. She was able to come to America in 1953.

A man in a motorized wheelchair who said he had contracted polio at the age of 2..

Chris, a Security Guard, who gave me the “handle” D-Train, two years ago and still says, “D-Train coming into the depot.”

Cliff L, Public Programs Director at FDR, a hug, and “you are back for a 3d year.”

And many others…

So sad to leave; but plan to return next year, God-willing ...

Peace. (Field of Roses)