Bravo for Benches

​Do you remember your favorite bench? What made it your favorite? Would you be willing to share your story—in a sentence or two? And a photo, if you have one? At https://www.facebook.com/mary.mckschmidt1?
 
I never noticed benches until several years ago, when my outdoor adventures with Mother—so essential to her health and mine—changed, based on the availability of benches. Our hope is to get others to notice benches, too. And join us in making more benches available for seniors in public spaces throughout Michigan communities. Maybe even beyond.
 
Awareness is the first step. And why not make it fun? 
 
Later this month, 55 members of Mother’s family—to include several of her children, nieces, nephews, their children and grandchildren—will come to town to celebrate our 75th annual gathering as a family. The tradition began when Mother’s mother (a woman we called “Mom”) decided to invite her children to gather in June of 1948 to celebrate the safe return of her sons from World War II. We have been gathering as a family ever since.
 
This year, since we are the hosting the reunion, Mother and I decided to create a Bravo for Benches Scavenger Hunt focused on our favorite benches in town. We had such fun taking photos of the benches, thinking about why we liked them, and then creating clues for the teams, we thought you might like to join in the fun. 
 
Please submit your favorite bench story with a photo. At some point in the future, you’ll be entered into a drawing to receive a copy of our new book, Miracle Within Small Things: A Mother and Daughter’s Journey Through Loss and Aging. Stay tuned for details.