Spring Time in the Garden

The Garden Magnolia

     We have been missing Jon this Spring. This was a time when we were busy trying to get the yard into some kind of order after the winter. He was the one who wrestled with the lawnmower trying to fight his way through the spring growth (we always seemed to wait one too many weeks before cutting over the weeping bed).

     He would come out to the flower beds with me shovel in hand and turn the soil so I could get in and weed and pull last years' old growth (he could do it in a fraction of the time; stronger than me). After I would fill the yard waste bags he would come out and help me move them to the curb.

     He could offer (although I did have to ask him to volunteer) muscle and I never quite understood just how much assistance he gave. I suppose that is the way with married couples. So this year as we ready the garden there is a real ache radiating out from our hearts right through to the muscles in our arms, legs and back.
      Our solice comes from the garden. Jon is everywhere and I believe he is still hard at work. We were never a particularly religious couple but we both had pretty strong beliefs and faith. Looking out our den window and watching this years' spring time growth has given me pause; I think Jon did some magic.

The single flower

       The magnolia tree is a prime example: that incredible February weather was wonderful while it was happening. Who didn't enjoy the week of 70 or better degrees at a time when we are usually freezing and wishing for spring. However it was not that healthy for trees and shrubs and plants; they started to grow and then the deep freeze returned (although mildly).

      Our magnolia tree began to bud and although it looks green and healthy the buds shrivelled and died before they bloomed; all except one. For weeks we had a beautiful tightly closed pink (huge) flower. It looked like an unopened rose and we waited. On May 2nd it began to open and on May 3rd we woke to a single flower. May 3rd was Jon's birthday. I have no idea why that one bloom managed to survive so I am assuming it was Jon's way of saying 'I'm right here. Stop worrying.' Like the tree we are going to be fine.
    

Jon's favourite saying

The broken heart stone that rests beside the Magnolia tree.

The garden over the next few days exploded with colour and when we are out there working we can feel him with us.

The Garden stork and 'running shoes' planter with
azaleas blooming.

Deerie standing guard. (Jon's yard sale trophy)

This is Wolfie. A garden addition
 from good friends

The tulips Al and Sue planted.
Red and white because Jon was
'A Proud Canadian'.

     I am sure every person who has lost a loved one would gladly trade anything to have them back but to be able to reach inside your heart and still capture the companionable presence of the loved one; it's a comfort.

      Jon's good friend Mikey borrowed Jon's driver and took it to the range. He is getting ready to play in the tourney supporting 'the shoebox' and so Jake and I went with him to hit a few. He could feel Jon right there with him while he striped the ball. He is so excited because his friend will be with him, on the course, once again.
      I know exactly how he feels because that is how I feel when I'm out in the garden.
Shannon