My little flower

By Aleisha Ricardo

My grandmother was once a great gardener. She had the “greenest thumb” ever. She planted many things but her main passion was planting flowers, and her favourite was the daffodil.

Recently, grandma’s arthritis worsened to the point where she could no longer garden anymore. This made me feel a little sad. She loved gardening, yet because of this disease she was now unable to do what she enjoyed most.

One afternoon, I visited her at her house. I brought a pot, some soil, a small shovel, and some seeds from a daffodil flower. Grandma jumped with excitement when she saw the equipment.

She struggled a bit pouring the soil into the pot, but she still managed to do it. I helped her shovel a hole into the soil, and she placed the seeds inside the pot. Then, she firmly patted the soil down and I topped it off with water. Over the next week or so, Grandma was excited to see the flower staring to sprout. Now the bloomed daffodil sits on her windowsill. It’s a reminder that, although she can’t plant a full garden, she can still do, at least in a small way, what she enjoys most.

 

For my mom

By Nicole Greffster

For a long time now, I have been taking care of my mother. Although her health isn’t great, I refuse to let her live in a nursing home because she has done so much for me over the years. Now I must return the favour.

A few months ago, it was a week before her birthday and I knew just the thing to get her. She had always wanted a piano. She had one back in her home country but she couldn’t bring it over here. Although she hadn’t played for a long time, I’m sure she would still remember some music.

Her birthday soon arrived, and the family celebrated and enjoyed the afternoon with mom. After we ate the cake, she opened her presents. I saved my gift for last. I could tell she was perplexed when I put the large, long gift-wrapped box in front of her. Puzzled, she ripped off the wrapping to reveal a brand new piano bench. She looked at me, surprised. That’s when I led her into the other room where her new upright piano was. She was thrilled!

I’m sure I’ll remember the look on her face for many years to come.

 

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Tags: family, happiness for the soul, memories, providing care