Yesterday was a special day. July 19th is the official death date of my best friend Sonja. It will forever be “that day.” It’s been eight years since her death, and finally it doesn’t hurt anything like it used to. That awful pain has released its grip on me. I acknowledge the date with sadness, of course…but the sting of it has largely gone. If I pause to remember that terrible phone call, and the sequence of it all and how I felt, it still hurts very much. Of course it does. I’m sure it always will. But it doesn’t clutch me and drag me to the underworld like it used to; I feel so much more in control of the memories and my emotions about it all.
If you are currently toiling through grief, it is a very hard path. And it will get easier. It doesn’t seem like it ever will, but it will.
When I was in the middle of that searing grief, I was convinced it would never end. It did. You will never be the same person after a journey like that (you’ll be stronger, for one thing), but the pain will let up.
So yesterday I spent my July 19th working in my flourishing garden. What an uplifting, life-affirming way to spend that day! It was very hot, in the upper 90s, but the clouds moved in which made it much more bearable. And my strong, healing body held up so nicely, even in that heat… even through six hours of hard physical work. Instead of feeling miserable in my body, I felt strong and healthy and agile. After more than two solid years of feeling like absolute shite, I had sadly forgotten what “normal” feels like. I’m getting re-acquainted with normal!! It was so enjoyable!
Anyway, here are some pictures:
[left to right] Jaune Flamme, Black Russian, and Black Cherry heirloom tomatoes:
The peach on my 3-year-old tree is getting bigger!
I grew some Black Kabouli bush garbanzo beans this year as an experiment. It was a success, and it told me what I needed to know. They’re very easy to grow, even in areas of lower soil fertility and water levels. I haven’t yet cooked them up, but overall I’d rate them as ‘8.5/10, would grow again.’
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Everybody needs… places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength…
– John Muir
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Thinking of you and your loss, and glad to know the heaviness of sadness is getting lighter. And your garden – what a place for solace! Such goodness is growing!
Why thank you Aja, what a sweet comment. Much love to you!
I wish I could have you over to my garden for tea!!
Love
Lindsey
Lindsey,
You are such a brave and strong soul! Through your experiences with grief and physical pain, you are a guiding light for others.
Your garden is so beautiful. Love to see what you are harvesting. Can’t wait to harvest some onions.
I loved seeing your to-do list. I write lots of those, it helps me remember things.
Love to you!
Dear Lindsey… I have been thinking about you for several days!
Sending you much love and a bounty of blessings lovely lady.
Nature does indeed cast a gentle medicine to help heal the soul.
Your garden and produce is amazing. xxx
What a great harvest. Your garden looks beautiful !!!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi ,
we,your friends , share your sorrow .
Have a nice day,
Josefina
Garden pix are luscious and beautiful. Soon you’ll just walk out the door & there will be your garden. What a great feeling. Cherish the warmth and connection to your dear friend. It’s a healthy feeling and connection that you will likely always retain.