As it must happen to all of us, our parents die. That was a hard thing for me to accept because although I was getting older in my mind and heart Mom and Dad would always be what they had always been, loving, supportive, helpful and well, just there. It didn't happen that way.
I know many of you have lost loved ones and cried because you could not do more to ease the way. I guess it's under the title of Shit Happens or Simply Life. You do what you can.
My parents are gone.
We live where they began. Honoring the land, honoring their wishes. Never was much of a gardener, not my passion. I was always a more hands on animal person but I've changed as we all did. We do what's needed to return the farm to Mom and Dad's time.
My sisters and I are here with family and we are the elder ones. Through tornadoes, ice storms, personal illnesses and family emergencies we still are here.
I look around and agree with Toni, even though there are tons of things left to be repaired, upgraded, cultivated, it's beginning to look like Mom and Dad are still here.
There is a peace here that I find no other place. We try to follow in our parents' foot steps but find it difficult for us.
I feel the joy they felt and see the treasure they saw in this beautiful valley. I know they are watching over us and proud of what we've accomplished by doing it their way.
I smile. I know Mamma is pleased that I am still tending her flowers.
