Their house was my refuge when I was small. My Grandma and Grandpa Barrow's house.
Grandma had a back porch that was painted mint green and was filled with vines. And every kind of plant you could imagine. When I was little I use to hide in a corner on the back porch and pretend I was in a jungle. I imagined the attic had monsters and a ghost lived in the well.
This time of the year makes me think of them so strongly.
My Grandfather was a warm loving man who taught me to love gardening. He would say, " Nene, you always plant your garden the second week of May. That way the frost is gone and the maple seeds have already dropped. Maple seeds here can be quite a burden. We call them whirly jigs. They are lovely falling down. Like anxious fairies looking for homes. But everywhere they light they bring more trees.
Grandma and Grandpa's house was right across the street from my grade school. And even now when I pass their home my heart aches.
In my mind I see Grandma hanging clothes out on the clothesline. Smiling as she sang amazing grace. I see Grandpa bent over in the garden tying strings to the pole beans..
I have learned that people are in our lives for a season. Some will always be there. From birth to death. Some for just a few months. Some for a week. We must take everything good from the people around us and discard the bad.
Learn the lessons they have to teach us and be willing pupils. Accept what you feel is right and don't take in what you think is wrong.
So today I encourage you to love those around you..They may only be there for a short while. And live like this was your last day on earth everyday.
xoxo Nita
tonight's song is, Home by Joe Diffie
A song close to my heart...hope you like it