Growing Up In The Garden

I just realized the powerful lessons and gifts my mom gave me

How far back can you remember your childhood?

I am unsure if I remember all the beautiful memories or if I just remember family members reliving and telling me about them and showing me photos of when I was just a toddler. Still, I never get tired of those stories. Many of which are either peaceful or quite comical.

I grew up on fourteen acres of land not far from town. My parents built their dream house on top of a hill, just a mile from my dad’s dental office. My dad’s brother, my Uncle Hume, designed and built the house. He was a visionary and, together with my mom’s ideas, built a home to withstand the test of time.

Leading up to the home was a long, steep, and winding driveway and then a circular drive with a magnificent garden in the center. There were gardens and a brick walkway leading to the formal front entry, a short brick path, and more gardens leading to a casual kitchen entrance that friends and family commonly used.

In the back of the house was an unusually large screened-in porch where we spent countless summer evenings. On one side was a built-in gas grill and, you guessed it — more gardens. On the other side was a fabulous rounded brick patio and wall. It is also beautifully surrounded by carefully manicured gardens.

The mud will wash off but the memories will last a lifetime. ~Author Unknown

My Mom Gave Me a Gift, Possibly Without Realizing It

Both my parents enjoyed gardening most of their lives. I didn’t understand their profound appreciation for flowers when I was young. What I do remember was the love of the outdoors.

It was vital to my mom that I got fresh air each day. She spent a lot of time volunteering and cooking. While she cooked, she would often lay a blanket out in the garden within eyesight of the kitchen and set me on it. She would leave the kitchen screen door open so she could hear me if I needed her.

My parents did not believe in fancy toys. They often gave me a bucket or bowl and a garden shovel and that was it. It was up to my imagination to entertain myself and I didn’t mind.

Little did I know that by spending time outdoors, she was teaching me to connect to myself at a young age. She was teaching me to observe the world around me. She was teaching me my connection with all living beings.

Later, as I got a bit older, she allowed me to help her plant. She taught me how to care for the delicate flowers. She taught me the value of bees and how it is essential that they pollenate.

Time in nature I now know helped me to become the resilient woman I am today.

The Stories I Don’t Remember, But Treasure

1. I was sitting in the garden just outside the kitchen door and exclaimed with joy, “Oh, mommy, come see the big worm I found!” Mom came out, and to her dismay, I was holding a six-foot black snake. The snake was harmless, but she said in a very sweet, calm voice, “Oh sweetie, that’s great; let’s put the giant worm down and come wash your hands for a special treat mommy has made you.” Of course, I had no idea I was making friends with a snake. We have gotten some great laughs over that one.
2. I had the most loyal, loving Doberman growing up. Her name was Blue because she was a rare midnight blue color. She was born just a year before me and became my best friend. Blue spent many hours on the blanket next to me, patiently watching whatever it was I was doing. Often, I would share my snacks. One day, I decided to examine Blue’s teeth. She lay there and let me look into her mouth. My mom snapped a photo and had it professionally painted. My dad had high hopes of my following in his footsteps and becoming a dentist, but no such luck. I just loved that dog.
3. I also remember how peaceful it was to pick a flower, smell it, and just lay there looking up at the clouds and finding shapes.

As I Got Older

That land was my childhood. In the winter, we would sled ride, hike in the woods, stay out until our fingers and toes were numb, and then warm up by the fire with a nice cup of hot chocolate.

In the summer, I would play in the sprinkler, Have friends over for water balloon tosses, and play four square. We had sleepovers on the screened-in porch and caught fireflies.

Final Thoughts

My dad passed away a couple of years ago at the ripe age of ninety. My mom is now ready to sell the house and move into a smaller townhome in a community she has friends. She feels isolated now up on the hill all alone, and it has become too much for her to take care of at eighty-six years old. My siblings and I support her completely, but I have to admit it is never easy to let go. I will treasure the memories made there.

Thank you, Sahil Patel , for this prompt, Memories of Garden, that took me for a walk down memory lane and into the enchanted gardens where I spent so much of my childhood.

Children cannot bounce off the walls if we take away the walls. ~ Erin Kenny

Thank you for taking the time to read. Did you grow up spending a lot of time outdoors? Kids these days are glued to electronics. It is such a different time. My children both appreciate nature, and I sincerely believe it is because of my upbringing. It was so important to pass those treasured moments on to them.

Peace & Light,

Libby

I love Seda Anbarcı’s Positive affirmations for gratitude! Please read and try them.

Joseph Lieungh wrote a brilliant poem with wonderful imagery I would love to share with you: