A friend of mine passed away yesterday, far too young and not at all willing. He was diagnosed with cancer back in October and given 3 months to live, but he was determined to see another birthday. Norm succeeded in going out on his own terms and passed away on July 27th, his 48th birthday.
I'm not sure what this has to do with gardening, except that it's out here - sitting amid green growing things - that I am comforted. Things grow, things die, and if left to nature's careful handling, every part of it contributes to the regeneration of a soil that will support a new season of growth. Norm was quite pragmatic, describing his lot as "survival of the fittest". But it's not that way, not really. Everything that grows and blooms is better because of what came before.
Friends are like that too.
Rest in peace, Norm. I won't forget you.
Comments