"This is my country. Wherever I go, I will leave it more beautiful than I found it."
~Mrs. Terwilliger
When I was young, I had the opportunity to take many a nature walk with Mrs. Terwilliger. I remember her quite vividly in her large straw hat, with all of us gathered around her examining some treasure she found on the ground. Maybe a seashell, or a piece of driftwood, or a wildflower. Her knowledge astounded me, but her enthusiasm for teaching us about nature and the world around us is what sticks most prominently in my mind. Her spirit was vibrant, curious, lovely, and serene. She seemed genuinely focused on ensuring that we felt good about ourselves, the world we live in and our place in it.
Although I don't remember specifics, I remember her spirit. Mrs. Terwilliger died three years ago today at the age of 97. Her legacy is great, one that has infused in my life and my outlook on the world. I once read that she wanted to teach children to love nature because, "People take care of what they love." I'm thankful for her influence on me, as well as thousands of other children.
Pictures found in Google Search.
1 comment:
Mrs. Terwilliger was a wonderful soul who briught the joy of nature to countless children. We are better for having known her.
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