We give the Hortmans the last word

One year ago, in the midst of heart-rending grief, Colin and Sophie Hortman gave us a roadmap for honoring their parents' memory. They told us to:

• "Plant a tree."
• "Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail."
• "Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do."
• "Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it."
• "Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone."
• "Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something."
• "Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace."

The bottom line: "They were the happiest people to be alive," Colin told us this week, paraphrasing his sister.

• "They loved living so much, and … they were just the best mom and dad a kid could ask for."