BRATTLEBORO — We recently lost a wonderful member of the community, Mary Dunham.
I first met her and her husband Phil, who died in 2011, through the Brattleboro After School Ski Program, which they organized and started. The first thing on their agenda was fitting boots and skis on kids who would otherwise never get this opportunity. They stored all these skis, poles, and boots in their own barn, and we'd get down on our hands and knees, making sure each child had a good fit.
A few years later, I made a friend from the part of the country where he didn't grow up skiing but wanted to give it a try. I called Mary and Phil and even though it was the busy holiday season, they invited us over and fitted him with gear.
I once complimented Mary on her beautiful wreaths, expressing my desire to master the art of making a grapevine wreath. She invited me to come make some with her, and we drove up and down Upper Dummerston Road near her home. We'd pull over, tear down some vines, and weave a creation right there on the spot.
I regret that I wasn't available to attend her recent service. I am heartened, however, that she and Phil's generosity of spirit lives on in their family members and in all the people they have touched, and helped over the years.
The next time I set out to do my annual wreath-making, it will now have very special resonance, as I remember my adventure with Mary Dunham.