Time with grandma

Now that gardening season is just about over for us, I am finding myself a little sad. I am sad because I have enjoyed the weekly trip to Grandma's house to see what was growing. It was such a thrill to go out to the garden and see something actually growing. I had my doubts when I first weeded the garden back in July. I did not think many of those plants would survive. Then the tomatoes were a long time in coming. It wasn't until late August that the tomato plants were just starting to get a few tomatoes. Late September the tomato plants were laden with green tomatoes, but we realized that not many would get ripe. We did get quite a bit of tomatoes, and as long as the plants don't freeze we still have hope for more ripe tomatoes. But I do have a recipe for green tomato relish that I'm dying to try. The cucumbers, chard, and beets have been bountiful in the garden this year. Every week I was taking at least 10 cucumbers home. Now I just need to find all the little ones that are left and finish making pickles! Yummm. The vegetables have been wonderful but I am also sad about the end of the garden because I have enjoyed the visits with grandma. Every week I have been able to sit and talk with grandma. I've learned so many things that I can't believe it has taken me so long to figure out. Grandma has been so patient with my children, especially Timothy. He gets into everything, even at grandma's house. But she never raised her voice and never said that Timothy could never come back. She took it all in stride and at times when I was embarrassed because he was into everything, I found grandma laughing. I could learn a thing or two from grandma. I have heard stories about my grandma that I hadn't known before. She told me the story of how she ended up with a slew of earwigs in her washbasin while she was doing laundry. I also heard how she was called to teach the Beehives and she didn't want to. She did not want to teach teenagers. I also heard about the garden her mom had when grandma was little. I also heard about grandma dating grandpa when grandma lived with her aunt. So many stories that I would never have known had I not had the opportunity to spend some time with grandma. Now the challenge will be to continue to find the time to sit and talk with grandma. She amazes me. Despite all the challenges she has faced, she is one of the most optimistic women I know. Faced with a broken hip I'm not sure I would be so optimistic. After all, I've already been pretty pessimistic about the challenges I'm facing right now. I really would do well if I could learn from my grandma's example and face my challenges with optimism. I will always be grateful for the opportunity I have had to take care of grandma's garden. I didn't really think I would enjoy it, but I knew it was something I could do to help. But I have certainly found myself enjoying the garden, even the weeding part. I had time alone and time with grandma. And with the garden came all the added benefits that have blessed my life in more ways than I can count right now.