The Worth of Work and Pain
I cleared fall’s dead from the winding perennial borders—the purple coneflower stems, the sedum stalks. I removed the invasive honeysuckle and hemlock planted by birds in places they don’t belong. I cut down clumps of Karl Foerster grass, making way for new growth. I dug up and divided overgrown hostas, giving some away to those […]
When Mother’s Day Reminds You of Death—The Way to Find Life
Mother’s Day, 2002 I called my mother to make sure she received the dozen red carnations I sent as a surprise. “They’re gorgeous! But you said you weren’t sending me flowers for Mother’s Day this year because of the bench.” “I know. But you’ve always told me flowers should be given to the living, not […]