Our Memory Garden

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.  

   ~From the television show The Wonder Years

The kids and I have talked about planting a memory garden for over a year and we finally finished it ~except for a couple more bags of mulch.  We planted flowers and plants that remind us of loved ones (and pets) we have lost.

Over the past two years we have lost two very dear people to us.  My dad died unexpected almost two years ago and then one year later my mother-in-law passed away.  I’m not sure why but, the kids have been talking about their granddad a lot lately.  Emily has a blanket and several toys that she recently put in a safe place because they remind her of granddad.  Aiden, who was only 2 1/2 when my dad passed away, still talks about him all the time.  I asked Aiden the other day if he had two wished, what he would wish for.  His first wish was to have granddad come down from  heaven.  Can you tell what a influence my dad was in our lives?

Since the kids seem to need to talk about granddad and I need to let them know that it is ok to ask questions and talk about him, I decided it was time to plant our memory garden.

My husband and I bought the house I grew up in so finding the perfect spot for the memory garden was easy.  I use to sit on this rock bench with my dad all the time. 

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. ~ Psalm 18:2

Some of the plants and flowers we planted include:

Elephant Ears ~ my husband remember his mom planting these all around their house. 

Dianthus ~ they just smell so good!

My dad loved orange, red and yellow so we planted some Marigolds.    

Hostas ~ I just think of my dad when I see them.  Probably because dad and mom planted so many of them in the yard.

Gerbera Daisies ~ these are one of my favorites.

The owls in my blog header represent my kids.  This sweet little owl in our garden is in remembrance of the baby we have in heaven.   

When I look at our memory garden I smile.  I think of my dad, mother-in-law, and baby.  I remember that God is with always with us and will bring us through all things. 

~Cindy