A Sad Good-bye to a Havre de Grace Jewel

From the Havre de Grace Record:

To the Editor:

As the fair lady known as Havre de Grace continues to age and ultimately change, so must her lifeblood, the citizens.

I picture in my mind a stately and regal personification of our little town, that is a beautiful woman, uncaring of the lines of character that grace her aging face, representing her history, her wonderful relationship with nature and the changes that are both welcomed and sometimes unwanted.

There is also a massive jeweled necklace that wraps around her delicate neck and cascades down her bosom. It is filled with jewels of all colors and sizes.

To me these jewels represent certain citizens who have earned, through their love, charity, smiles and sparkle in their eyes, a place on this necklace, that Lady Havre de Grace is most proud of.

This past week I had to make yet another change in my mind of how this grand lady appears to me in my thoughts and memories.

I saw yet another jewel fall off the necklace to disappear from sight, but not from memory. This jewel was smaller than some, but not in importance.

This jewel was finely faceted with a sparkle and a deep color that was evidence of the stone's great character.

The shape was that of a heart showing both love and charity. This stone was mounted in an area of the necklace that was unassuming and humble.

But, this stone was very proud of its heritage and of its place on that lovely jeweled necklace.

These jeweled stones aren't known by names like diamond, ruby or emerald. Instead, Lady Havre de Grace has given each of their stones nicknames that are dear to her and the citizens who have been blessed to know them personally.

There are many citizens who will recognize this little stone's nickname and their eyes will tear up like mine are doing now.

Good-bye "Tilly," I can't see the stone anymore, but your place on that necklace sparkles as bright as ever because of our love for you.

I will miss seeing you, but I will never forget you.

Barney Mills
Havre de Grace

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