Last week I spent a beautiful afternoon planting pansies around our Bird Girl statue. My husband, Mike, and I bought the statue after an inspiring trip to Savannah. I’ve decided to leave her here when the house sells. Our family loves her, but she seems to belong here. Normally, herbs grew around her. They were looking ragged, so I pulled them up to make room for prettier flowers.

While digging the the flower bed, my mind traveled back to an afternoon of planting in 1997. On that day, I made an impromptu decision to skip a work-related meeting, to buy a flat of pink petunias, and to go home and plant them. I sat on our brick walkway, in a suit and heels, and dug out spots in the garden for each plant. Tears flowed down my cheeks throughout the process. My beautiful mother lay dying many states away. I couldn’t physically be with her, but I felt a connection to her through the flowers. In summertime, mom always decorated our back patio with huge pots of cascading pink petunias.They became her hallmark.

Fortunately, I was able to travel a couple weeks later to see her. A month after that I traveled again to be with her, and my family, when she died of emphysema. The pink petunias in my garden thrived all summer and were a comfort during those sad days.

My thoughts moved from mom to how much life we’ve experienced in the 18 years that we’ve lived in this house. Our daughters went from public school to college, careers, marriages, and motherhood! We joyfully became “Gigi and Papa” to three beautiful little girls. We have a 4th grandchild due in August. We experienced a long lay-off in the 90′s and survived, without losing our sanity, our marriage, or this house!

We’re getting closer to putting the house on the market. Our old dining room wallpaper is ripped down; today is paint day. I can’t wait to see its fresh new look! I can picture a black wrought iron chandelier in there, but I have to remember this house will no longer be ours!

Mikey spent all Sunday afternoon in the shower–not enjoying a warm spray of water, but sweating through a more than irritating grouting job. He swears he’s going to combat the beast!

Thomas Edison said, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.” I married a genius!

Anyone have any grouting tips for him?

©2010 BLN
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