The Keeper of Mamma's Flowers

I had the nicest compliment the other day from my nephew, Toni.  He said, The farm is beginning to look like Grandma and Grandpa are here.

As it must happen to all of us, our parents die.  That was a hard thing for me to accept because although I was getting older in my mind and heart Mom and Dad would always be what they had always been, loving, supportive, helpful and well, just there.  It didn't happen that way.

My sisters and I rallied and supported them, not financially but emotionally and lovingly.  As their needs increased we helped with everything from personal bookkeeping to personal care.  We as a family traveled through a heart condition, a stroke and Alzheimer's.   Both my parents would vocalize their sadness that they needed help and they shouldn't be such a burden.   I simply answered,  You cared for me for eighteen years this is nothing.  Oh, but it was.

I know many of you have lost loved ones and cried because you could not do more to ease the way.  I guess it's under the title of Shit Happens or Simply Life.  You do what you can.

My parents are gone.

We live where they began.  Honoring the land, honoring their wishes.  Never was much of a gardener, not my passion.  I was always a more hands on animal person but I've changed as we all did.  We do what's needed to return the farm to Mom and Dad's time.

My sisters and I are here with family and we are the elder ones.  Through tornadoes, ice storms, personal illnesses and family emergencies we still are here.

I look around  and agree with Toni, even though there are tons of things left to be repaired, upgraded, cultivated, it's beginning to look like Mom and Dad are still here.

There is a peace here that I find no other place.  We try to follow in our parents' foot steps but find it difficult for us.

I feel the joy they felt and see the treasure they saw in this beautiful valley. I know they are watching over us and proud of what we've accomplished by doing it their way.

I smile.  I know Mamma is pleased that I am still tending her flowers.

September '08 The Beginning

I began to blog...like a house on fire.  I eagerly waited for the first comment. Equally excited, I've waited for each comment since.

I celebrated each follower. I measured my worth by the following...Almost three years later, I am still here, savoring each comment.

Thank you for following, supporting me, giving me good advice and just dropping in to say hi. I have loved every minute.

Sunrise or sunset?

You decide.

UPDATE:  JUST REACHED THREE HUNDRED FOLLOWERS, PLUS!

 I must have a giveaway!!!  I am so thrilled and so proud.  I see some blogs that soar in numbers over night...I am a long distance runner but I seem to have finally reached a milestone.  I don't have much pizazz nor am I a literary guru.  All I can guarantee is I am here, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always here.

For those who have been brave enough to follow me, please leave a comment on this post. This will also be a great chance to ask questions and tell me what you would enjoy seeing.  One week from today, September 2nd, (Deadline 6PM 9/2/11) I will pick a name.  I will announce the winner September third...and compile a surprise package from At The Farm.

Thank you, without y'all I wouldn't be here!