Doing something over-the-top nice for someone is so much fun. It is especially fun when they aren’t expecting it. Linda expected us to come over to clean up her garden a bit. She didn’t expect us to come with 2 carfuls of plants. She did not expect her yard to be transformed. I bet she didn’t even expect my grandkids to be so darn cute. I’m sure she also didn’t expect cancer 5 years ago, or to be in home hospice now.
We gave her a memorable day. Odd how those things work; it became a memorable day for all of us too. I’m hoping that she will be outside in the lovely September air soaking up the weather and the prettiness. Yes, I said prettiness. Prettiness really is a word that aptly describes Linda’s transformed garden. It is now filled with mums, fall annuals, Black-eyed Susans, Guara, and Michele’s outstanding flower filled urns. Her roses are trimmed and Creeping Charlie is much less evident.
The Elk Grove Garden Club and one of the members, Pat Palmer, were kind enough to pay the bill for the plants. The two huge overflowing planters came right from Bob and Michele George’s yard. And the work came right from our hearts.
Mike and I arrived with the plants. My son John arrived with his family. He and Heather have two children. They provided the cute factor. Completing the crew was Linda’s husband Bob and her daughter Shawna.
The parade of plants began. I don’t know who enjoyed that more, Linda, or me.
You know how kids can get crabby after a while? We don’t! At least not this day. Smiles abounded. Allie helped me move dirt. A lot of dirt. Most of it to the dog’s water bowl. Oh well.
Cameron helped give Grandpa Mike a push in the right direction.
There were tree branches and bushes to trim, weeds to pull, and fun to be had. Linda was even up to being outside with us the whole time. We were all amazed by how much we accomplished in such a short time. It was one of those days when everything just went right.
There was a bonus for Allie. Shawna let her take home some Barbie dolls, a huge stuffed animal, and a pink boa.
The bonus for the rest of us was a super good feeling of time well spent with family. We had made some nice memories as well as a beautiful garden for Linda to enjoy this autumn.
By the end of the day, Cam was ready for a well deserved nap, and so were we!
You are invited to come see our garden! We’d love to have you visit on Tuesday, September 25th, from 5 PM till dark. We’re at 331 Forest View in Elk Grove Village, IL. – Rain date Sept 26
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