The Only Thing That Stays the Same is that Everything Changes
It’s that time of the year when peace and reflection are prominent in our minds here at Christensen’s. Even more so this year for me, as a friend of my family recently passed away. And while his death was not unexpected, the timing was at 76 years young.
Our families had met when Chuck was the representative for a nursery selling plants to our nursery. He and my father became friends. Soon after, my mom and Chuck’s wife also became friends and thus started a 40-year friendship.
We would all visit Chuck and his wife at their lake home multiple times a year for a decade. Chuck taught me how to drive a boat and Chuck influenced both my father and I to join him in hunting. A hobby both of us still enjoy to this day. Chuck had that way about him that was almost infectious. He would look at you and say, “Hey, try this.” and you just wanted to give it a whirl. Hunting, fishing, tubing behind his boat (Even though he drove like he was trying to kill you), launching 4th of July fireworks off a floating swim platform (Don’t try this one. It didn’t work out so well). We did it all together.
After his passing, my family caught up with his family on Facebook. Time and distance had separated us for many years. So, it was good to catch up with old friends. We spent the better part of two hours chatting over Facebook Messenger, reminiscing of times spent with each other. We then caught up again at the celebration of life his daughters held for him. Again, spending time catching up about life. Like my life, their lives had changed in the years since I last saw them. Easy conversation with people who I have been friends with for almost my entire life.
This year has been filled with changes in the landscape industry and at Christensen’s Plant Center. And the future holds more change for all of us. My hope for all of you is that the change is for the better. And wherever life takes you, do not forget that there is always time in our busy days to talk to a friend.
Please have a safe and wonderous holiday season! I look forward to seeing all of you in the spring and hearing your stories from the time we spent apart.
