So Much Better!

I feel so much better now.

Saturday I was at the park behind our house with my great-niece and nephew, Jenna and Brenden. It's so much fun to take visiting children there to play. Of course I had to look at the veteran's memorial there right next to the playground, dedicated in memory of my nephew Tyler and other veterans. This picture was taken back in 2006 right after it was completed.

Beautiful, right? And as usual, when I read the plaque, it brought tears to my eyes.

Even more tears came to my eyes when I observed the area. No flowers were planted this year and the weeds had taken over. It really upset me that something in my neighborhood dedicated to Tyler looked like that. On our second trip to the park, I brought some supplies and got busy weeding! Jenna and Brendan had so much fun playing together that they didn't even care if I wasn't playing with them. (Well, except for that tearful "He stepped on my ponytail." "But it wasn't on purpose and she punched my side on purpose!") As I listened to the children laughing and playing, I was struck with such strong nostalgia for the good old days when Tyler and my kids were enjoying the innocence of youth and playing at the park. My Nick was Jenna's age when that park was built! How did their childhood disappear so fast? (Just when I was thinking the empty nest thing was maybe ok!)

Well, I can't do anything about that, but I can plant flowers. I got permission and went shopping yesterday. Since it's late in the summer, I thought maybe I'd find some colorful cosmos that would reseed next year or maybe some geraniums. I didn't want to spend much money this late and after all, it is in a park where lots of kids (including young teenagers) play and they don't always respect the property. I checked a few places yesterday and today after work but couldn't find anything. So guess what, I asked God to please help me find something. Hmmm, how about BiMart? Would you believe, BiMart had all their remaining large perennials and annuals on clearance for $1.00 each?! They weren't blooming much but I was able to pick out 12 very healthy looking plants, a mix of annuals and perennials! Twelve big plants for $12!! Thank you Lord!

As I was leaving with my prizes, I thought about digging 12 holes for those big plants. Now this may surprise you, but I'm not very good with a shovel and we have very nasty hard clay out here. I usually get a big strong man to dig my holes. Will is gone right now, I knew Craig and Eric were scheduled to work, and Nick went to work at 6 this morning for at least a 10 hour day so I figured he wouldn't be thrilled to be my digger. (And strangely, his phone went straight to voice mail when I tried to call!)

But another young man popped into my mind, a wonderful young veteran from Tangent who used to occasionally play basketball at that park and who is a long time family friend. I got up my nerve and gave him a call. He didn't hesitate to agree to come on over and help me out! By the time I had the plants all delivered to the park (and made about 10 trips back to my place for things I forgot!), Brent Riley and his lovely wife Kathrin were there to help me with the planting!

I had texted my friend and neighbor Courtney that I was near her house planting, so before long she and her family came strolling along. In no time at all, everything was planted and it looks so much better! Everyone was kind enough to come to my patio where we enjoyed watermelon and iced tea. I was even able to finally give Brent and Kathrin their wedding gift (a juicer) which has been in our garage for about a year because we were out of town on their reception day! He was very excited because he really wanted one!

We have missed Brent on the family camping trips to the Metolius over the past few years while he was in the Army. Brent always impressed me with his kindness and patience with the younger kids (like my Nick!). I told him tonight that when he was overseas, I would see the lighted flag when I looked out my kitchen window at night and it would remind me to say a prayer for him. I can't describe how good it felt to be working together at that place with that young man, safely returned home. I so appreciate that he and his wife were willing to come help, especially at the last minute. Obviously he is still a very kind and helpful young man, and I believe God has great things in store for him and his beautiful wife.

The day was topped off by some girl chat time with Courtney, who I also love dearly! No wonder I feel better!