We have a friend in Illinois that Bill and I had the pleasure of meeting many years ago. She was visiting a friend across the road from us when we met her.
Thelma (our friend) was always fascinated with the story of how we came to this area, and how we set out to make our dream of earning our living from Bill’s art come true —–which it did ——although it took several decades to accomplish. And of course she loved our gardens.
That was many years ago and I still get wonderful letters from her, one of which came today.
From time to time she encloses a little poem to emphasize her words that tell us how she has enjoyed knowing us. I read the poem today and thought of the many friends that are literally woven into the tapestry of my life.
Tending My Garden has added a new dimension to my life’s tapestry. You are, of course, responsible for that.
I set out to help and encourage you. You helped and encouraged me.
I set out to make you smile. You made me smile.
I set out to teach and entertain you. You taught and entertained me.
I set out to magnify your garden. Mine was magnified. And I have a greater appreciation for what I do than I have had in 33 years. Thank you!
I have enjoyed your personal emails to me. I have enjoyed listening to your circumstances and various problems.
It has been especially rewarding sharing your joys and successes in the garden because of something I wrote.
You have given me ideas for posts written and future posts to be written. By sharing your garden problems with me, you have helped me to know how I can be of more help, not only to you, but to others.
As Thema’s poem says, —–you have had a part in shaping the things I do.
As we quickly approach a wonderful new tapestry to be woven over the next 12 months, let’s enter it with positive expectations and focus ONLY on what we want to achieve — whether it be in the garden or in our life in general.
Thank you for allowing me to share part of your life. And thank you for being part of mine.
For the year to come, Bill and I wish you and your family good health, every happiness, and much success in your garden.
__________
Thelma’s poem (Author unknown) (Emphasis is mine.)
I have a list of folks I know,
all written in a book,
And every year when Christmas comes,
I go and take a look.
That is when I realize
these names are all a part,
NOT of the book they’re written in,
but of my very heart.
For I am but a total
of the many folks I’ve met,
And YOU happen to be one of those
I prefer not to forget.
Whether I have known you
for many years or few,
In some way you have had a part
in shaping things I do.
______
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Thank you for allowing me to know you.
Love and Happy New Year,
Beppy
Thank you, Beppy. And the very same back to you!
Theresa
I enjoy your posts also. I’ve learned and smiled. Thank you and Have a Happy New Year
Thank you, Don. Wishing you a Happy New Year as well. Looking forward to “gardening with you” in 2011!
Theresa
You certainly have had a part in shaping my life and way of doing things. Hope you have a wonderful new gardening year.
Thank you Ann!
Warmly,
Theresa