Monday, February 29, 2016

Teary Eyed Gardening

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Yesterday while planting my zinnias and tomato plants, my husband gathered seeds from dried 

stalks taken from my father’s last zinnia bed.


I planted those seeds yesterday, and truth be told, afterwards all I wanted to do was lie down in the middle 

of our backyard and cry.


What will I do if they don’t grow?


In years past, my father and I had lots of conversations standing at my zinnia beds.

In those gardening conversations, he always began his advice by clearing his throat and saying,


”Sister, you might want to…”


And then I would look him in the eye and smile like I knew what I was doing, and he would laugh.

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Everywhere I looked yesterday was a place he had stood and given me gardening advice.


As much as I teased him, I listened to every word.

There are the two mountain laurel trees he planted along my driveway, that only bloom once a year.

Mountain Laurel

They are blooming now and it is amazing.


This is not a sad tale, but rather a tale that feels sad.


That makes perfect sense to me.



And besides,  there is work to do in the garden.


So I best get to it.


17 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

The zinnias will always grow in your heart, but hopefully in your garden as well.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laura, What a beautiful story of love and your zinnia garden. I think they will grow and be very special. So nice to catch up with your today. Thank you for stopping by my post for TOHOT and for hosting too. Have a beautiful week. xo

Elizabethd said...

I do understand. My mother's special Solomon's Seal plant has travelled with me, and comes up every year, bringing her memories alive.

Stacey said...

Sister, I know you have faith that your seeds will grow. I have enough faith for all of us. They will grow. :)

Pondside said...

I do get the difference between a sad tale and one that feels sad. I hope those seeds germinate for you, but if they don't you have, in you, every lesson - every idea - every bit of gardening optimism/wisdom that your father planted in you.

Decor To Adore said...

Oh memory gardens always grow. Even if they are only in our hearts. Fingers crossed for the zinna's.

Terra said...

Those mountain laurels are beautiful and blooming now; I think your dad's zinnia seeds will bloom just fine. My favorite zinnia from seed is Purple Prince by the way, if you are in the mood to plant some extras. I believe gardeners and Christians are people of hope which is what you show by planting your dad's seeds.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I hope those Zinnia's bloom like crazy for you! What special memories you have!

joanne said...

those zinnias and tomatoes will grown like never before after all you have a wonderful gardener and counselor looking after them with you.

JB said...

They are going to be perfect! ❤️💛💚💙💜

Leslie Harris said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Leslie Harris said...

oh my god this post made me cry. I also have a Dad that has been my precious side kick on my projects both inside and outside. I don't know when you lost your dear father but I'm right there with you. I feel the sadness and the strength in your words. it sounds like you are your father's daughter. :)
hugs friend
Leslie
btw--I'd love to join your linky party, I was so glad to see you comment today because I've been meaning to add you to my side bar. :)

Jeanie said...

Oh, this is simply beautiful. I think so often of my dad on so many things. They are always beside you.

Zinnias are one of my favorite flowers -- they're so colorful and happy and I've never had great luck growing them so I buy them by the bunches! This post gives me the motivation to try again. If and when it stops snowing!

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