this garden of hope and healing

Today, I sped over a few exits on 285 E during a break from work to visit my dearest friends Brooke and Randy Smith at the Children’s Hospital in Atlanta where their 10 week old son, Jackson, is undergoing rigorous medical testing for a condition that has stumped doctors to date. These are not just any friends, they are resiliant and strong and today became my inspiration to stay strong no matter what life tosses me.  I was not prepared at all for what I would face.    I do not recall ever having visited a children’s hospital, something I can be quite grateful for.

I felt a sense of helplessness entering the doors to the hospital – I have a lot children in my life who I love completely but I do not have my own so I cannot even begin to imagine what they must feel.  A reassuring smile was all I could offer to my passerbys.  I met Randy and Brooke in the cafeteria where they quickly caught me up on little Jax’s condition and we also discussed the whats and whereabouts of Megan Kates – a topic to make anyone chuckle and certainly allowed their minds to wander from the inevitable pain and unknown in their hearts for a brief moment.  Randy had to step away which left Brooke and I to chat.  She asked me whether I was religious and I answered honestly  and told her, “sometimes.”  The question was posed so she could explain her feelings, ask questions and really just so I could listen.  I appreciated that question from her, it stuck with me through the rest of our visit.  She apologized for not being able to take me to the hospital garden – I told her I had seen Randy’s pictures on facebook and that I was sure it was a special place.  I left Brooke with her Mom in little Jackson’s room and left with a heavy heart but with lot’s of love for the Smiths.

I busied myself through the elevators and hallways and got lost on my way to the parking garage - my displacement in the hospital led me right to the doors of the garden.  It is a beautiful day in Atlanta, the sun is bright and it is a crisp fall 70 degrees.  The garden was beautiful, they call it a teaching garden.  There were signs that explained how to brighten up your eating by adding color and described the different plants.  This garden is so much more than that though – there were families taking pictures, reading together and having moments of hope – looking for healing.  The garden gaveover its state of regrowth and beauty allowing these families to have special moments to share and to know there is life happening right before them in the Earth.  I am so touched today by the power of a simple garden, that it can give families and children who are so stripped of hope, a place where regrowth is tangible and beauty is visible to their eyes.  Brooke, my faith and my religion happens in moments like this.

For Randy, for Brooke, for Rhett and especially for Jackson - may over the next few days you find beauty, life and hope and that you visit the garden as a reminder that it is right before you.   I love you all.

growing teaches me patience

I have a lot of energy when I first sow seeds or transplant seedlings into the dirt.  My energy changes as weeks pass.  I range from visiting my garden every day, staying outside with my dog as she runs around the grass, poops where she pleases and watches me admire what is beneath me in the dirt to sometimes holding back, not visiting for a few days or making only necessary watering visits.  I am certain this is reflective of my own life and how I have learned patience with my own decisions and with the ebbs and flows of my emotions.  Sometimes I am present within myself with lot’s of energy, other times, I take a more reserved role and let nature work.

A few weeks back I wrote about planting brussel sprouts.  These are very large plants and grow to be tall with hard stalks.  This process takes time, about 85-90 days.  For many weeks I will witness what will appear to be little growth.  Suddenly, out of nowhere an amazing large plant with blossoms will  emerge from the ground as if it is thanking me for my patient care over the weeks while it gained the courage and strength to grow tall.  It is curious to me that my plants have taught me patience or maybe I have learned patience which enables me to care so tenderly for my vegtables and herbs over time.  Either way, tonight I am thankful I have patience in my life – for me and for my plants.

Above is one of my brussel sprouts on the day it was transplanted about two weeks ago.  I cannot wait to serve the fruits of this plant during a beautiful fall dinner amongst loved ones.

it will grow a blue curtain

I spent the afternoon with a special friend digging in the dirt at her new home.  This was not just just any new home. No, this home is a sanctuary of renewal, growth and healing. She had plants, flowers and trees in their place.  We started to dig.  We planted small trees, rose bushes and [...]

fall mornings

Fall mornings are my favorite.  There is nothing like taking Mancha out in the morning and embracing the crisp cool air.  Coffee tastes better when it’s cold outside and even better when I get to look out my office window onto my back porch where I’m greeted by beautiful fall flowers and my favorite wind [...]

and so I begin

“I wasn’t born in the South but I got here as fast as I could.”  Each time I walk through my front door, those words greet me creating the most peaceful grin on my face. I lived the big city, big time life for 11 years in New York City and channeling my quieter side [...]