With Gratitude — Donna Hopkins

. . . for all we are given.

*Produce Stand, Leavells Road, Spotsylvania | November 2025*

Today’s post is in memory of my mother-in-law, Alice, who passed away peacefully in her sleep yesterday morning at the age of 93. She was a guiding light for our family; strong-willed, determined, generous, and steadfast. We will miss her dearly. She was a practical person. More prone to show her love through actions than words, but she never failed to show-up when needed, and always with love and humor and a can-do attitude.

To celebrate Alice’s life, I meandered here and there, taking a few pictures along the way. I stopped at the local produce stand just a mile from my home. The stand is situated near a gas station/convenience market in a small strip mall. In the early morning light, the owner had not yet opened and the offerings were slim. The last of the little pie pumpkins scattered here and there. Mums faded and toppled over. A few gourds and squash on the wooden tables. I took my photographs, leaving every element just as I found it, and then headed on my way. As I drove home, late in the afternoon, I noticed the stand had been cleared out leaving only the tent and bare tables. I know from past history, the Christmas trees and wreaths will come next. Time will move on, and we will savor every minute. It’s not about slowing time down, but rather, filling time up.