Usually, this time of year, I have already cleaned up my vegetable garden and flower beds in preparation for fall.
Only this fall, life has given us a new schedule.
My Dad, Sisters and I are staying at the hospital as much as we can. All of us have had to return to work, but we are making a point for one of us to be with Mom during the day. Every day. We want her to know we love her and want her to get better. Strokes have their own healing schedule and we have to accept that fact of recovery. I’m not very patient. I want her better–yesterday.
Today was my day to stay home. I decided to make this a dirt therapy day. I needed to do mundane chores like roll up soaker hoses and dead head flowers. Eight hours later, I had cleaned up most of the garden, planted winter wheat as a cover crop, and prepared a spot for my first garlic bed.
Future garlic bed
Although it was a long therapy day, it was cool outside and the fresh air was healing for my spirit. I am also lucky to have some fur therapy as well and Annie and Daisy stayed with me the entire day.
“I’ll be in the corn if you need me”
Annie is always available for consultation
If I gaged my success of therapy by how dirty I get, I would say today was pretty successful.
Cuff full of dirt
and a hole in my glove
If I was 19, and you told me that in 30 years I would be working in the dirt to clear my mind, I would’ve called you crazy. But, right now, it makes perfect sense to me.
Hirt therapy. Thinking of you all. Looks great.
LikeLike
Love auto correct. Hort therapy.
LikeLike
God is so good to let us have a place to go to enjoy and the strength to work hard. You and your family are my heros for you have sacrificed alot to stand by your precious Mom. God will give you an extra jewel in your crown for obeying His commandment to “Honor your Father and Mother.” Love to all of you. Love your blog and look forward to new entries!
LikeLike
So happy for you to have discovered the healing powers of dirt. Gardening heals the mind and heart in a special way. I’ll be thinking about you and your mom during my own ‘therapy’ time. Blessings.
LikeLike
I agree, Barbara. I’ve known it for years and I am amazed at how many issues I can tackle while working outside. Somehow I don’t get the same feeling when I’m doing housework. 🙂 Thanks for visiting my blog!
LikeLike
Good post and a great blog ! Looking forward to going deeper into your site. We love NW Arkansas and drive up when we can every year or two.
LikeLike
Thanks for visiting my blog, Randy. I have lived here my whole life and can’t imagine living anywhere else. And I am so fortunate to have great support from family and friends during this time. That is such a blessing to me!
LikeLike
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time! My dad had a stroke many years ago which really changed some schedules so I know how precious dirt and dog therapy can be when it’s your day off! Be strong!
LikeLike
Thanks,Peter. We have a long road ahead and I’ll admit it gets very discouraging some days. My garden time helps me work through the bad days.
Thanks for visiting my blog.
Brenda
LikeLike
you are just doing the best you can and that is okay. My darling daddy was with us 18 mos after his stroke. He never recovered his speech, so it was best he could move on. Deep peace for you and yours.
LikeLike
Thanks, Lynn. She took a turn for the worst last Friday and Tues. she passed away. All of the family was there and I’m so grateful we were able to say goodbye.
LikeLike
Pingback: The Beauty of Old Cemeteries | The Blonde Gardener