A month after the memorial service for missing balloonist Richard Abruzzo was held at the balloon museum that bears the family’s name, the family planted a special pine tree. A bedtime story inspired his children to suggest the tree planting in his memory.
From the local NBC affiliate, KOB-TV:
Richard Abruzzo of Albuquerque and Carol Rymer Davis of Denver were participating in the 54th Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon race, a race they had won together in 2004, when the pair went missing in late September.
On Wednesday, nearly two months after the search was called off, friends and family of Abruzzo gathered at the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum to carry out Mary Pat’s, 12, and Rico’s, 8, vision and planted an 8-year-old Italian Stone Pine.
The tree currently stands at a modest 8 feet but in time could grow to reach nearly 80 feet in height.
It’s an appropriate choice, because the Italian Stone Pine is native to the Adriatic Sea area where Abruzzo and Rymer Davis disappeared during the gas balloon race.
Tree planting in memory of a loved one is a lovely way to grow into the future.
Read my first 30 Funerals in 30 Days Challenge post about Richard Abruzzo’s tribute service.