By Graham:
Murray City hasn't been placing plaques at the bases of trees over the past couple of years -- they frown on it because of vandalism and the 'disappearance' of so many over the years. The more I think about it, though, I want to place a plaque under Charlotte's tree anyway. I will be seeing Murray Parks people on Monday, and I am going to see if I can get the green light to place something under Charlotte's tree to highlight its significance. I will update you on that. I will hang the very nice plaque donated by the MSD Transportation Department along with Charlotte's picture on a wall inside the Nature Center.
One of the teachers remarked to me yesterday, "Who would ever think you could develop a friendship with a bus driver when you are so busy with your students on a field trip?" That is the kind of person Charlotte was. She cared about everybody and couldn't help but reach out and become a friend to us all. We are grateful to have known her, and we will never forget her."
Employees of Murray School District who knew mom wanted to do something special for all the years she dedicated to the district be it driving the bus, talking with teachers, or the countless hours she spent at the Nature Center. They took up a collection and planted this tree in her honor. Here is what Judith Payne said about the tree and plaque that will be at the center.
"The tree is a Rosebud. It will stand out from the usual Cottonwoods and Willows in this area. We felt that Charlotte would appreciate what a fine wood the tree has -- especially in light of her artistic wood carving abilities! We talked about the strong roots of a tree, and the strong roots Charlotte had throughout her life. She was the model of integrity, punctuality, and kindness. The leaves of the Rosebud are heart shaped. We will look at those and remember how much Charlotte loved bringing students to and from the Nature Center... and we will remember how much we loved working with her. The tree stands very near the walkway to the Center that Charlotte crossed thousands of times as she walked students from her bus to the Center and back. The buds of the Redbud are actually purple -- the blossoms may be purple or pink; we will have to see. This should be a gorgeous tree and sweet reminder of Charlotte's beautiful influence at one of her favorite places.
Murray City hasn't been placing plaques at the bases of trees over the past couple of years -- they frown on it because of vandalism and the 'disappearance' of so many over the years. The more I think about it, though, I want to place a plaque under Charlotte's tree anyway. I will be seeing Murray Parks people on Monday, and I am going to see if I can get the green light to place something under Charlotte's tree to highlight its significance. I will update you on that. I will hang the very nice plaque donated by the MSD Transportation Department along with Charlotte's picture on a wall inside the Nature Center.
One of the teachers remarked to me yesterday, "Who would ever think you could develop a friendship with a bus driver when you are so busy with your students on a field trip?" That is the kind of person Charlotte was. She cared about everybody and couldn't help but reach out and become a friend to us all. We are grateful to have known her, and we will never forget her."
Thank you, Judith and to everyone who donated money, time, or effort to have this tree planted. I know she would greatly appreciate it.
The photo is of the tree, Judith, my mother-in-law Wendy, and several other MSD employees who were friends with mom.
