Don Jacquish is a Wisconsin farmer who usually grows corn. Now there is another tall, yellow plant growing in a large portion of his fields. Don planted about 4 miles of his fields with sunflowers to honor his late wife, Babbette.
To many people in their small community Babbette was known as the “Sunflower Lady” because of her passion for the beautiful flowers. While Babbette was battling cancer Don planted the flowers with the idea that he would harvest them for their seeds and use the money to help support cancer research. It was a fitting way to honor his wife and express his love and gratitude for her.
Babbette has now passed away, but Don still harvests the sunflowers that he once planted as a tribute to his wife. Now Don and his family use the proceeds to support the foundation they created, “Babbette’s seeds of hope.” This family run foundation uses its proceeds to help support other families who are battling cancer. The family works hard to support this foundation because, as they have stated, “We have not forgotten her dream of a life without cancer for herself and for others.”
It is easy to see that Don had a deep love for Babbette. It is out of his deep love and gratitude for her and all that she was to their family that they continue to work to bless others.
We have so many people in our lives that mean so much to us. Our spouses, our family, friends, even co-workers make such an impact on our lives and give us so many reasons to be grateful. I hope today you will be encouraged to tell those special people in your lives, Thank You. As we grow in our gratitude for one another, perhaps we will be inspired to make a difference, because of the difference that was made for us.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
