We buried my father's body yesterday but his love will remain alive in our hearts always. As a Korean War veteran he received a full military burial including color guard, taps and a 21 gun salute. It was a fitting way to say good bye to such an honorable man.
Now our family must go on and find our new normal. For me that means heading out to the garden. It is one of the strongest connections I have with my father and I know it will be the place I feel his presence most.
He prided himself on his green thumb and I know he was pleased that I inherited it from him.
This metal bucket was my grandfather's from his days with the ATSF railroad. I resisted the urge to put a few holes in the bottom to use as a planter (in hopes of preserving it) for the longest time but finally decided that it was better to use it with love than keep it safely put away.
I am so glad I did...I love the cottage charm it adds to the simplest annual planting. My husband put together a couple of raised bed planters so today we will add the soil and begin our summer vegetable garden. He also sectioned off a section for a picket fenced cutting garden. Exciting stuff, right?
Enjoy your weekend...I hope it's delightful!
xo. Patty
So sorry to hear about your father's death. What a wonderful thing to do with the galvanized bucket that was passed down from your grandfather. Wonderful cherished memories!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend!
You have the right spirit to keep your dad's memories close. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful garden, Patty. I do feel God's presence in the garden. In fact, gardening is a form of worship for me.
ReplyDeleteYou and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Gardening - what a wonderful bond to have shared with your father.
Such beautiful thoughts to describe your dad Patty. I can't think of a more meaningful way to spend time remembering your father than in your garden.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Debbie
Patty, I am so sorry to hear about your father's death. I'm sure it must be a very difficult time for you right now. I will keep you in my prayers!! I loved the photographs- so beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWhat would we do without our gardens as a healing place? Your dad could not have passed along a more worth while trait to you. Thinking of you. ~ Maureen
ReplyDeleteI agree, the garden can be such a place of healing. Having your father's work bucket will bring to mind sweet memories of your dad too.
ReplyDeleteYour father sounds like a man any girl would be proud of!
Blessings-Kimberly
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing! I do love it when we honor our veterans with the full respect that they deserve. We live close by to a funeral home and we can always tell when a veteran has passed. So glad your dad was said goodbye to with such a honored ceremony! Your garden is lovely!
ReplyDeleteSending you my thoughts and prayers, Patty.
ReplyDeleteBarb
You have such a wonderful way with words . . .
ReplyDeleteNow our family must go on and find our new normal . . .
Wrapping you with warm thoughts and prayers as your heart heals and finds solace. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. I just lost my 92 year old grandfather last week also. I am with you in your sorrow. Prayers going your way:)
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself, Patty. I know how hard it is to lose a dear father.
ReplyDelete-Karen
Prayers for your continued strength and comfort at this time.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about your Dad...it is wonderful that your gardening will remind you of him. I'm sure he's smiling down on you out there. I have a bucket and wagon just like those...I use my bucket all the time in the garden to carry my tools and dirt around in! Have a great weekend!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a wonderful funeral for your Dad. It is hard to find that new "normal". I will say to allow yourself to grieve. I kept myself so busy that I didn't have time to grieve and one day -a few years down the road- it REALLY hit me that he was truly GONE...and then I had to deal with it at that late date.
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a planter, too, and that is the legacy that he left me. It does make me feel close to him even after all these years! xo Diana
I am glad you are keeping busy, it is so important after the loss of a loved one. My father also loved to garden, but I don't really have his green thumb. xo,
ReplyDeletePatty,
ReplyDeleteTreasured items, such as your grandfather's bucket, will always keep your loved ones close in thought and in your heart! You will notice in my posts, many times,I tell when something belonged to a family member...and the great comfort I get from seeing those treasures. Heart strings attached to each and every one. The garden is the perfect place to meet your father's memory. Peace, I wish for you...in due time, for to everything there is a season!
Fondly,
Pat
You've been in my thoughts and prayers, Patty. I dread the day I have to say goodbye to my father, if the circle of life goes as normal. I just try to make each day count and know none of us are promised tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI love galvanized containers and have quite a few that make me smile everytime I use them. Yours is simply adorable. I know your father would be proud.
Patty...
ReplyDeleteStill thinking of you, and sending warm thoughts and prayers your way.
It is so hard to keep on keepin' on sometimes.
I'm so glad that you have your gardens, and the gardening connection with your Dad to help you during this time.
Hugs...Kerin
Take care Patty. Gardening is a wonderful legacy to pass along.
ReplyDeletePatty, you have been in my prayers. Seek solace in your garden and in your family. Lovely that your Dad had such a fitting tribute.
ReplyDeleteXO
Kris
What beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteI love being surrounded by plants!
Congratulations space.
Enchanted!
Elaine
Brazil
Patty, I am so sorry about your father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletePatty I love the bucket. Simple reminders of someone so important in your life. A new normal is right. Takes a long time but you do find it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog I'm following you, too, now.
ReplyDeleteI hope you will have a good evening--I'm sorry for your loss.
I just read about your dad. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you can find such a sweet way to honor him and keep that connection.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your loss. I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. Hugs, Kit
ReplyDeleteDearest Patty-
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss.
They really were the last great generation, right?
I feel exactly the same way.
Our gardens are healing places.
I have always thought my mother came to me in the wind.
Bless you!
Laura
White Spray Paint
So sorry for your loss, Patty. I am thinking of you and sending deepest condolences.
ReplyDeleteHelen x