Growing Life & Healing Souls

Amidst the most trying times, we all long for a sanctuary that can heal and rejuvenate our hearts. For my husband and me, that refuge was a little apartment patio garden he created on our deck when I was sick in bed. I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer in May 2018, and during my treatments, my husband had to take care of the plants on the patio. Initially, I had no idea that this humble little patio would soon become a source of comfort, happiness, and a newfound passion for gardening for not only my husband but also for me.

Once I was out of bed and feeling better, we started patio gardening together. Arguing about soil, As we ventured on our journey with gardening, we discovered that it wasn't just a hobby but a therapeutic pursuit that helped us cope with my diagnosis and treatments. We learned about soil, how to plant seeds, and how to tend to our plants with care and patience. We discovered that gardening was not just about creating a beautiful space but also about nurturing and growing something from scratch, which was incredibly rewarding but also took your mind off of all the things you cannot control.

Our small garden ended up being larger than we planned, taking over our patio, walkway, and railings. It became a peaceful oasis amidst the uncertainties and stresses of life. Tending to it gave us a sense of purpose and a renewed appreciation for simple things. We spent hours watching our plants grow and observing the wildlife the garden attracted. Even Toby enjoyed watching the hummingbirds, butterflies, and birds from his window beds. Gardening helped us connect with nature and provided a much-needed break from life's chaos.

We launched into our journey to own a home in our beloved community and nurturing a garden that brings us more joy, commitment, and togetherness has been a truly inspiring experience. I urge you to take up this challenge and create your own garden, as it may guide you to similar moments of pride, dedication, and inspiration.