I remember at the beginning of this past spring I wanted to do something extra special for my mom. I got my brother and baby sister along with a friend to surprise her with a backyard garden. We piled into the car to get some ground covers, borders, plants, trestles, and soil from the nursery and were ready to start the work. I’ll be the first to admit that my brother and I don’t always get along, nor does my baby sister and brother, but together with a bigger project in mind for someone we all cared so much about, I don’t remember a single person complaining or arguing. We put on our gloves, dug up two nice sized plots in the ground and began clearing out the perfect spot for my mom’s new garden.
My mom would be the first person to admit that her green thumb is a little lackluster, but I knew she would enjoy something that grows well, and the house would love to eat. Our family loves cucumbers: a little salt, pepper, and vinegar on top was a favorite treat prepared by my grandmother when I was young. So, we got a few young cucumber plants and some other fruits that we knew she liked. When my mom got home from work to a new garden, she was surprised and thankful for the gift. The garden would take some work, but in a few short months she was able to pick plenty of fresh fruit to prepare with dinner around our kitchen table. We cold haver gotten her a new necklace or purse, but I honestly believe she would appreciate the fact that her three kids were willing to work together in the sun for a couple hours to really put something special together. She is the type of person who puts effort into everything she does. It is my stern belief that, in order to truly appreciate effort, you must know what it really is in the first place. I cannot name any person or profession that takes as much effort, sacrifice, and struggle as a parent – a Mom or a Dad.
I will remember that day of planning, prepping, and executing a project for a very long time. It puts a fire under my butt knowing what anyone can accomplish in a single day. It also gives me perspective on the concept of giving. I may not always have extra money come holidays and birthdays, but god willing I will always have my two good hands. And at the end of the day, that may just be worth more to the people closest in your life.
Thank you so much for reading
Have a blessed day!
