The book's opening vignette tells the story of Chris, a seventy-four year old Dutchman, mentor and friend to a co-worker named Peter. They spend a summer together diggging graves at a local cemetery known as "Sunny Acres," where Chris encourages Peter to "Hear the birds sing," and "Never Waste the Flowers." This spirit of practical gentleness sets the tone for the twenty-four vignettes that follow and cover childhood memories, fantasies, and simple life stories. There is something for everyone in this diverse collection about people and life's simple gifts involving love, learning,...