Many blessings to have open space to enjoy life

Taking an early morning walk through my yard recently, I realized just how blessed many of us are to have open space to enjoy. We could be “cooped” up in a high rise with no room for much of anything.

Personally, I think I could adapt to just about any circumstances I found myself in. I have always felt this way. If life took me to some big city where I knew no one, I think I’m enough like my second sister down to speak with folks I ran into and form enough friendships not to be lonely.

On the other hand, I really appreciate some “alone” time. When I was just a little tyke growing up our home was always full of relatives who found it necessary to live with us. Being the oldest of the family, I never remember a time when Mama, Daddy and I lived totally alone. I never thought of it affecting my life at the time, but I wonder sometimes just how much that has affected me.

I never had a problem when the two children who moved back home at different times, and with their little ones came to stay, the result of broken marriages. When the youngest daughter and her family lost their home to fire and came with three older children to stay for a short while, I wasn’t distressed. I was working out of town much of the time, so to keep out of each other’s hair, I just turned the kitchen over to them and they carried on just as they had done in their own home. I took care of my own meals. I think that saved a lot of confusion about mealtime and the menus.

I adjusted well to the times I had Mama and Daddy with us after their health began to fail. I was delighted if I could make life easier for them. I wanted them to be as comfortable as possible with the physical home as well as with Friend Husband and my personalities.

So I have been amazed at how easy it has been to have others share my home in these later years. I’m grateful that I didn’t let my early experiences in life make me selfish about my home. One of my sisters paid me the nicest compliment when she said, “If someone can’t feel welcome in your home, they just can’t feel welcome anywhere.”

I do digress.

While walking in the yard pondering over the way I wish it was landscaped and maintained, and admiring the bit of blossoms I have from my own feeble efforts, I was reminded of a poem I found recently tucked in my scrapbook. I didn’t have a soul to share my thoughts with at that moment, so why would I think of this poem, entitled “Gossip in the Garden”? I submit it here for your pleasure.

Good morning, Glory, what’s the Four O’clock news?

Johnny-Jump-Up lost his shoes?

Black Eyed Susan has her eyes on you,
And the Tulip wants a kiss or two!

Iris just wants Rose to know Sweet William is her favorite beau.

Busy Lizzie took her Butcher’s Broom and chased the Cattails around the room.

Poor Weeping Willow isn’t feeling well, and Holly-Hocked her Chiming Bell.

Yesterday, Daisy cut off Aaron’s Beard, then whispered “Forget Me Not” in Elephant’s Ear.

Today a Texas Ranger knocked at my door and Creeping Jenny found a Naked Lady lying on the floor.

Tomorrow who knows what gossip there’ll be, the flowers are from such a large family,
Lets talk again soon, Good Day-lily.

— Mildred Browder-Hughes is Senior Correspondent for The Weekly Observer.