Issues → July/August 2008 → Features →

'Sunflowers for Wishes'

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Recalling the experience later, Duane becomes flustered. For someone like her -- "someone with real problems," as Duane would put it -- to say such a thing of him, a man blessed with three healthy children, a farmer who fell face-first into philanthropy, it's just too much for him to accept.

"It's nothing to do with me," he says. "I mean, we plant the flowers and it looks nice. But it means so much to some people, you know? For something to mean that much to her, boy that's ..." His voice trails off, and he composes himself. Then, earnestly: "That's good, I think."

The sun sets on the last day of the festival faster than anyone would like. In a few short weeks the radiant blooms opened, filled the rolling Connecticut fields with light and joy, and then passed. Duane readies his equipment to recycle the stalks into feed and bedding for his herd -- he doesn't waste anything he can use. Some late visitors complain to him that the sunflowers didn't last longer, that a nine-day peak just isn't enough. He shrugs. For all his skill as a farmer, Duane has no control over that. They are what they are.

Miracles brief, but beautiful.

Make-A-Wish Contacts in New England

The Make-A-Wish Foundation is dependent upon finding volunteers with a wide array of skill sets (kids can come up with some unique wishes). Anyone who can do anything can do something to help. If you're interested, please contact your state office:

Connecticut

877-203-9474, 203-261-9044
ct.wish.org

Maine

800-491-3171, 207-236-3171
mainewish.org

Massachusetts

617-367-9474
mass.wish.org

New Hampshire

603-623-9474
newhampshire.wish.org

Rhode Island

401-781-9474
mass.wish.org/

Vermont

802-864-9393
makeawishvermont.org