Grandmother's Legacy

A visit to Grandmother's house meant a tour of her flower garden even before the food was served. Her garden sported many varieties from friends, neighbors or relatives. These walkabouts were highlighted by her explanations of the history and performance of each plant. My awareness of, and growing love for, the miracle of earth's harvest stems from those lazy strolls around the perimeter of her yard while our stomachs growled, the roast shriveled in the oven, and her words washed over us in the heat of the mid-afternoon sun. My favorite photo of Grandmother, she's offering a blossom to my sister from one of her many rose bushes and her voice lulls me anew as my memory board replays the feel of clean air and sunshine and brings back the fragrance of honeysuckle and roses.