Following a challenging and emotionally draining week, the sunshine beckoned me to find peace and
solitude in the quiet of the outdoors. I
decided to venture out to a park near my new apartment. I pulled up to peaceful, well manicured
lawns, surrounded by busy neighborhoods.
The moment I stepped foot on the beautiful grounds, I could feel it was
hallowed ground. I breathed deeply and
felt the stress and strain of the days melt away. The park, I discovered, was created by a
Danish immigrant in 1880. He had made it
a priority in his life to create something beautiful: Nielsen's Grove. The park had been flooded, used for
agricultural purposes, and then recently bought by the city to be returned to
its previous beauty. As I quietly
sauntered through the grounds, I found dozens of picnic benches, wooden arbors,
and natural spring fountains among the wandering paths. An old lady, her daughter, and granddaughter
jumped out of the car and walked towards the playground. Other solitary souls stride through the
grounds, relaxing after a tiring day.
Young couples walking dogs passed by chatting happily to each
other. A tricycle passes by followed by a
young dad briskly walking after his daughter.
A couple on roller blades chase after their son speeding away in a
battery-powered car. Through the quiet hum, I hear the laughter of children on the
nearby playground. Ducks quack after a
handful of breadcrumbs from their visitors. A group of teenage girls begin to
swing, remembering simpler days as they relive their innocent youth. The small pond covered in its icy shield
shines brightly in the setting sun. Here
stands a park full of gentle peace: full of reminders that the world is not all
bad. I'm almost moved to tears: there is so much good in these few
small acres. All because of one
man. One man who wanted to bring beauty
into the world. One man who set aside
part of his livelihood to bless the lives of others. One man caring about this land turned into hundreds
of people caring, an entire town caring, working to restore this peaceful
refuge. And entire community enjoying
the serenity of nature. And one man
started it all.
If one man can all do this,
what can I
do?
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