ICYMI: Burlington resident finds a garden of inspiration on the beach

Editor's Note: This article originally appeared on Jan. 2, 2024.

When Burlington resident Debra Moir set out for her traditional walk on Dec. 31, she was hoping to get some fresh air - despite the foggy, damp weather - and to make New Year’s Eve special.

Her hike at LaSalle Park turned out to hold to some special inspiration to carry her into 2024.

“As I walked, I thought of my year and all the wonder and new things I experienced,” Moir wrote in a social media post. “I always look for the small surprises I come upon and the wonder of our world and nature and humanity.” 

She wasn’t disappointed. As she strolled along the beach, she looked down and saw a red rose sticking out of the sand.

“Attached to it was a note, as if written to me,” says Moir. “It was so encouraging I had to take a picture to remember. I walked away with a smile on my face and a little thank you to whomever placed it along my path.”

But that wasn’t the end of the surprise: the farther Moir walked, the more roses she found – each with a special message.

“It was love, pure and simply, an act of love,” she says. “Thank you to whomever spent the time and love to care for all those on this New Year’s Eve that may be in need of these encouraging words. For me, it brought a grateful heart and love filled my soul.

“Happy New Year everyone! Remember, love always is the only way.”