The Renfrow Story

It’s been a week since the dedication of Renfrow Hall and I am still reliving all of the wonderful memories created by this event: greeting this special lady and her daughter at the airport as they arrived via private jet; a two mile parade filled with well wishers of all ages; beautiful wheat paste murals all over town; seeing Edith visit with family in Renfrow Hall in the hours before the dedication; sharing stories with the extended family during the cemetery walk; and visiting her on the Sunday after, when she was exhausted but overjoyed.

Some of these things were captured in pictures which I put together in this short video:

There are some wonderful photos and coverage of the celebration by Grinnell College. This photo essay has some truly beautiful images by college photographer Justin Hayworth. And the college paper, The Scarlet & Black, did some great covereage and photos as well.

There are so many memories that linger amongst the whirlwind of activity. The entire weekend was filled with moments where the community just showered love and appreciation on this woman. And I am not exaggerating when I say that the community is still buzzing; I don’t think I’ve gone anywhere in town in the last week when I haven’t run into someone who wanted to talk about it.

For me, there were two experiences that were especially moving and memorable.

The first was riding in the parade, which wasn’t a part of the plan until the day before. When Edith didn’t want to ride in the horse drawn wagon they had arranged, the college asked if members of Team Renfrow would like to be in the parade. So it was that I found myself riding with the small group who has been intimately involved in researching and sharing the Renfrow story over the last couple of years.

We loaded into the wagon, giddy with excitement and overjoyed that this weekend had finally arrived – and that the fabulous Edith Renfrow Smith was in the car in front of us. But as excited as we were, I don’t know that any of us were prepared for how moving it would be to experience the love flowing through the streets of Grinnell. Both the middle school and Davis School students were all let out of class to join the celebration. So these kids lined the streets, holding hand made signs, cheering and clapping, and one boy even did a backflip as we rode by! The blocks surrounding the Mayflower Retirement Community were filled as well, some who had been pushed out in their wheelchairs to witness their elder passing by. Preschoolers were out in front of the UCC church with pom-poms. The Renfrow Hall construction crew lined the street to see the namesake of the building ride by. And when we arrived on campus, the students and staff were waiting; many anxious with anticipation, hoping to meet this living legacy. Team Renfrow cheered and waved and smiled and laughed the entire two miles, sharing a portion of the joy felt by Miss Edith at this warm embrace offered by the community.

Another moment that sticks with me seems inconsequential in the midst of the bigger events of the weekend. It was during the book reading, when I came to the page about Renfrow Hall. When I turned that page and saw those words and it hit me – this is today.

THIS. IS. TODAY.

You’ll find more eloquent summaries of the dedication and weekend elsewhere. But I feel blessed to have experienced a few special moments outside of the main events.

Sunday, after everything had passed with near perfection, was a day to revel in the memories, and to rest and recover. About mid afternoon, I had a short visit with Edith. She was extremely tired and spending the day resting. But despite the exhaustion, she was still glowing and overflowing with gratitude and appreciation for everything. I’ll always remember her sitting on the side of her bed, her soft and tender hand reaching to touch the center of my chest, and telling me that I was like a diamond in the sky and deserved a crown for all I had done.

There’s no greater reward.