The Garden of Gratitude

In the shade of the giant oak we sat and reminisced about respective friends, family, and past experiences. Midst the beauty of the garden he designed long before the ALS overtook his freedom to dig, mulch and plant, a passion exceeded only by his love of music, we cherished moments of common interests in gardening, cooking and general every day aspects of life. For that hour and a half we were transported from the routine of managing life’s negotiated impediments to a magical place of sheer presence in the garden of the living past and present. As our time of freedom from agenda came to a close I was overtaken with a sense of gratitude for this time of sharing and the beautiful and bright garden so lovingly crafted from which we were about to depart. Gratitude and the care of others who value the human designer of the garden serve as nourishment for the garden’s growth and bounty of flowers springing forth as its testimony. For that time, for that place, and for the sharing of friendship and life’s blessings, we give thanks. From dreams and toil come the roots that ignite fresh memories in the soil of thankfulness. We are grateful to uncover each day that life is greater than a diagnosis. It blossoms brightly within the garden of gratitude in the midst of its creator!