Back in the 70s, Earl Murray and his wife, Ruby, grew a field of sunflowers in the backyard of their home in Albertville, Alabama. At first, it was just a hobby for hunting… but the more Ruby spent time in the field, the more she fell in love with the flowers.
And so, each and every summer for the next 40 years, Earl and Ruby planted rows of sunflowers outside their home. They’d sit back in their deck chairs and stare out into the distance, proudly gazing up their field of bright yellows and greens.
About seven years ago, Ruby passed away. Earl felt her presence in the sunflowers they planted. “The main thing now to me is the fact that they represent her, and her smiling face, and always loving,” he told WHNT.
According to ProFlowers.com, “Sunflowers symbolize adoration, loyalty and longevity. Much of the meaning of sunflowers stems from its namesake, the sun itself. These flowers are unique in that they have the ability to provide energy in the form of nourishment and vibrancy — attributes which mirror the sun and the energy provided by its heat and light.”
Earl made a pact with himself to plant and maintain Ruby’s sunflowers. “I’ll plant them until I’m put away. That’s just how much they mean to us as a family, and as an individual.”
These days, his sunflower field is stronger and more vibrant than ever.
Footage provided by WHNT Huntsville
Source : https://www.littlethings.com/husband-wife-sunflowers/