When I moved into this house in 1989 I planted a small patch of garden in front of the house. Between 1989 and now it became a victim of gross neglect with overgrown shrubs, morning glory vines, wild roses that refused to die and waist high weeds. A visual embarassment on the garden palate. I regret not having taken a picture of this mess.
So, when making my goals for 2007, transforming this plot was at the top of the list. I started the brutal job of digging up huge rootballs, etc. in early spring. In May I had most of the debris dug out, but had no idea what I was going to do with this patch of earth. Then Joanne was diagnosed. Now I had a project that a was a symbolic, life-affirming act. It would become a healing garden dedicated to my best friend. Now I could move forward.
The garden was finished last week and we like it. A final note of irony. While laying the crushed white rock, I literally impaled myself on a branch of the one conifer that was allowed to remain in the garden. It hurt like hell, but I recovered quickly. A week later I could barely breathe, walk or sit and the pain was an 8 on the old pain scale. A trip to the physician revealed pleurisy with effusion. Yes, I am curious why I needed to wound myself while working on a healing garden. I'll let you know when I know. . .
9 comments:
hummm
pleurisy, interesting "side" effect!!
take care of your self,
Eileen
Such a beautiful sight, site. I got tears in my eyes reading about this little patch of earth . . . and its transformative magic in your life.
Then, to hear of yet another mishap, Dear Janet . . . I'm sorry for your side pains.
Each time I end up in a moment like yours, I always look back and find, that no matter how hard I was intending, praying, focusing in those moments, I almost always was also not fully engaged in the now moment of the action I was in, even for a split second.
When I'm in the Now, I clearly know it. When I hope that I'm in the now, I celebrate and most often make it through. The grabber is when I'm caught unawares and plea in dismay, "God, why did I deserve this?" Self-pity never seems to get me anything other than a release of emotion, although, sometimes that's just what I needed. Still, I find it doesn't always feel just.
So, I take it in stride, heal as you have, and live another day.
Thank you for sharing the story, and for giving us a snapshot of the new Healing Garden. It is beautiful.
I trust that you've been able to handle side-splitting laughter regardless, and that's how you've quickly healed . . .
Love you both,
Tess and Zander
Geez, Janet. I had no idea it was that bad when you gouged yourself -- you didn't even cry! It was obvious that it hurt, but you sure put on a good game face....
It looks beautiful and it must feel great to have that incomplete handled!
Much love to you and the cat-children,
Ace
Dear Janet and Joann,
just a 'hello' to let you know I am still checking your blog regularly (thanks!) and thinking of you most days. Love, Ruth
Another note to let you know I am folowing your blog daily with prayer. with much love
donna grubbs
Prayers for both of you!
May the summer sun fill you with healing light and warmth as you both recuperate. Your angels must not have had enough to occupy them so they needed an extra healing project!
The garden is BEAUTIFUL... as are you. May its serenity surround and enfold you as you are restored to great health.
Easy breathing to you both,
Janet
The garden is breathtaking! (Sorry, couldn't resist!) Much love, you two!
Hmmmm...being injured in your healing garden...getting tangled up in the IV stand and coming out of Joannes' chemo session with a black eye...are we sure that Janet is not related to Chevy Chase? (LOL!)
Glad to hear everyone is doing well & the garden looks great!
Love you two!
Peace,
Jerry Horner
Dear Joanne,
I feel priviliged to have shared a moment of your healing journey with you. I'm hoping you are experiencing greater and greater health. Your place is so beautiful with Mt. Baker holding court...and the spirit of gentleness surrounding your garden home!
Dear Janet,
The healing garden is very beautiful...and with our lovely mountain as a backdrop, its beauty exceeds description. What a tribute to Joanne and what a blessing you are!
Love, Donna
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