Wednesday, July 6, 2011

A place of solace

Last Monday my husband and I buried our sweet Bear under the big oak tree in the back yard.  Little Bear was a rescued dog and we loved her dearly.  (I wrote about her last year in a post to my Blessing Bowl blog and my husband wrote a wonderful eulogy on his blog last week.)

It was a sad week - it seemed that everywhere I looked there was a reminder that she was gone.

But the weekend brought sunshine in the form of visiting children and grandchildren who helped me celebrate my birthday.
A Happy Birthday serenade from the children's table
And then yesterday, I saw my first swallowtail butterfly.  
It was on the neighbor's side of the driveway, but I'm claiming it as my own.
A walk through the garden this morning brought more cheer.

What a wonderful place of solace the garden is - a place to work away the stress, put things in perspective,  and marvel at the miracle of life.  

Some of you may have read my post in February on my brother's brain cancer diagnosis.  Good news came today - his latest MRI was clear of tumor growth.  He continues treatment and is doing well.  All your thoughts and prayers are appreciated more than you can know.

14 comments:

Toni said...

In The Message Bible, Psalm 126:6 says, "So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing." I'm sorry to hear about your pup; I'm sure that brought on a heavy heart. I've been there, and I know it hurts. But so glad to hear about your brother's good news and what a sweet armload of blessing those grandchildren must have been on your birthday :-)

Southern Lady said...

Ginny, so sorry to hear about your dog. I know how you must feel. Our pets are a big part of our lives. I am so thankful to hear the good news about your brother. I will keep him in my prayers! Carla

Stacy said...

Sometimes I think gardens give such solace because so many lives intersect there--we remember the wide world we are part of, in a context of nurture and care. I'm sorry about the loss of Bear--losing a companion, especially such a large-hearted one, just bites. But what fabulous news about your brother! Woo-hoo! And happy belated birthday. I hope your blessing bowl is full to overflowing all year.

Cat said...

Ginny, I just love the verse Toni shared and echo her sentiments. Can imagine the children, grandchildren and garden are great blessings to you right now. Also so happy to hear about the answered prayers for your brother. Such wonderful news for your family.

Karen said...

Losing your precious Bear is such a heavy sorrow, my sympathy goes out to your family. They always leave us much too soon. I am so happy to hear your brother's good news, with the sorrow, comes joy. Be gentle with yourselves during this time.

Anonymous said...

Ginny, I am so truly sorry for your loss of Bear. I know how you must feel and was so sad reading your post. I still am not over the loss of my dogs after all this time, but one day may get another faithful friend to bring joy and happiness.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

I am sorry to hear about the loss of your furbaby Bear. Glad your garden has been a source of solace for you, and joy too.

Belated Birthday greetings.

That is great news about your brother.

FlowerLady

Donna said...

Ginny I am so sad to hear about Bear...But I am so happy to hear the wonderful news about your brother...I also feel my garden is my place of solace, my soul and salvation...thinking of you and sending you beautiful thoughts and prayers!!

Beth at PlantPostings said...

So sorry to hear about your special Bear. Sometimes it's hard to move on, but I'm glad your garden (and the great news about your brother) are helping you to cope. Your garden looks so healthy and peaceful, I can see why it's a place of solace.

Bom @ www.plantchaser.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bom @ www.plantchaser.com said...

I am sorry to hear about Bear. I imagine that he spent time with you in the garden.

So glad to hear that your brother pulled through, though.

Bom @ www.plantchaser.com said...

I am sorry to hear about Bear. I imagine that he spent time with you in the garden.

So glad to hear that your brother pulled through, though.

Wally said...

I'm so sorry about Bear. That's such a wonderfully sweet photo.
Great news about your brother!
And a belated Happy Birthday!

Corner Gardener Sue said...

You got some very nice words of condolence. I want to add mine, as well. I said a prayer for your brother as I was reading the good news he got.