Dear Friends,
As you all know on Friday March 2, 2012 the midwest and Indiana was riddled with devastating storms and tornados. Many people lost their homes and loved ones. We at the nursery also lost someone who was very close to us both as a friend and as an employee of many years..... Armando Hernadez. The tornado that wrecked havoc on the town of Holton, Indiana just 10 miles north west of Beaver Creek not only took Armando's home but also his life. Many of you may have known him or seen him here when visiting. He was the young man you stayed here at the nursery with Ava. He was her "right hand". He always made her feel safe and I always new if anything ever happened Armando would have given his life to protect her. He was THAT kind of MAN!!! Not only was he a hard worker but Armando was the person we have all probably wanted to be at one time or another with our busy lifestyles. He WAS the one person I knew that would actually take the time to "stop and smell the roses". And yet never falter in his daily duties. He saw beauty in the smallest things.....a bug or butterfly on a flower, an odd shaped or pretty colored rock, the calm beauty of a sunset or the formation of a cloud. Armando was the most gentle, most kind, most unselfish, and considerate person I think I have ever met or known. He would go out of his way to help not only us but also customers and his friends. He had an extremely soft, warm and good heart. And, he NEVER complained about anything .....just always had a smile on his face and eager to do anything that was ever asked of him ....and MORE! He was a TRULY GOOD person!! Armando was an incredibly unique and special person whom we will NEVER be able to replace. He will ALWAYS be remembered....He was as much a part of Beaver Creek as any one of us and ....WE will NOT let him be forgotten!!!!!!
A sacrifice: Armando came to the United States because his family is extremely poor and it was his way of trying to help. To earn much needed money for them. He had not been back to Mexico in 7 years. Approximately 2 weeks ago one of his sisters also suddenly passed away. She was 1 year older than Armando and they were very close. He wanted to return home to be with his family and asked me what he should do. I told him that we would miss him immensely but we would understand if he needed to go and would be behind him in whatever choice he made. After discussions with his mother he decided to stay here for a few more months as they now needed money even more. If ONLY HE HAD GONE HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Vaya con Dios mi Amigo!!!
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