Thief who stole flowers from grave is forgivenThis letter is directed to the person(s) who removed three beautiful flower baskets from the grave of my wife, Christine, sometime between June 15 and 17.

My daughter and I have cared for the flowers since Mother's Day when we placed them in tribute to her. I had secured the baskets with zip ties to prevent the wind from blowing the baskets off the "shepherd's hook." I did not plan for a thief.

I cannot begin to describe the hurt, anger and rage I felt because of someone's reprehensible actions. I cursed them for their disregard for the feelings of my family and memory of our loved one. Why would you steal flowers from a cemetery?

It is not the first time items have been removed from Riverside Cemetery in Saybrook. I wondered, was the same person responsible for these, too?

It wasn't until Sunday, while I sat in church, that I finally came to grip with my anger. You see the minister's sermon that morning was on forgiveness. As I listened I realized the anger I felt was counter-productive. I thought of Chris, the person who was laid to rest in that grave, how full of life she had been, and how big her heart was, and I realized that if Chris were living and knew that someone wanted those flowers she would have given them away.

So enjoy the flowers, don't let them die. I will replace the baskets. I forgive you.

Ray Wilson

Arrowsmith