Saturday Morning Message: Healing Through Gardening
Author: Carol Lane
Good Morning
The flowers in the opening picture are daylilies from my garden. The daylily is an amazing plant. It goes through the coldest winters in the northern part of our country and even a spring without much rain. Then one day you look out the window and see the beautiful flowers.
They remind me of the survivors at TAPS. We go through the toughest circumstances anyone can face, but when the time comes, we open our hearts and show the love we have for other survivors in a sparkling beauty even when we can’t give an actual hug. Flowers are a treat we can give each other especially when we are down and you can take them to others when they are in need. Enjoy the pictures of the plants and the thoughts the survivors wrote in response to last week’s question about their favorite plants.
You may have noticed the message coming to you has a bit of a different look. We have given the Saturday Morning Message an update, and are now including information on TAPS virtual events that may be of interest to you under Other Items and Events of Interest. If you have suggestions or ideas to make this message better for you, please let me know by replying to this email.
Hugs,
Carol Lane
Mother of Bryon
Responses from Survivors to last week's question
What is your favorite plant in your indoor or outdoor garden?
From Kelsey, mother of Michael:
My favorite flower is hydrangea. I love the large round blooms and the color variations.
From Sandra, mother of Joshua:
My favorite plant is my new plant and it is called a Trailing Lantana. The trailing plant has little ridged green leaves with petite white flowers. While it looks delicate, it is hardy and can withstand six or more hours of sun. Without thinking, I planted the tiny Lantana in a most vulnerable spot of the garden, but the plant is flourishing even in the summer heat and brutal rain. Another older Lantana has grown larger and hovers over the Trailing Lantana and shades it while protecting it from the elements. I have been watering and nurturing the Trailing Lantana and my new plant is now securely rooted into the soil, has grown quite lush and has become stronger.
From Annette, mother of Joseph:
This is my favorite plant. Joe planted it for me many years ago. It is a very small lilac bush. I can still see him planting it with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and done in a minute. He worked for a landscaper, so he planted so many beautiful specimens for me. This year were the most amazing blooms. We have a large backyard and the lilac bush is on a hill. When I walked outside the whole back smelled of lilacs. I was so happy. I had a very vivid dream of Joe the first night I smelled it. For a few minutes after I woke up, I thought he was alive. Then it hit me. I went down to get coffee. My grandson was sleeping over. I looked out and there was a beautiful red cardinal. We were both so excited. A pair of cardinals were around every morning for the next few days. I have no doubt who was here!
Question for Next Week’s Saturday Morning Message
If you were to write a book honoring your loved one's life, what would be the title and why?
Many of us have found reading helpful now that we are spending more time at home, so I thought this would be an interesting question: If you were to write a book honoring your loved one's life, what would be the title and why? We look forward to your responses.
The Saturday Morning Message was created so survivors can share questions and read how others respond. Questions for future messages are always welcome. You can reply to this message or email online@taps.org In order to have your reply included the following week, it is best to send your response by Tuesday morning. Thank you to everyone responding this week and those who read this message.
♫ Song for the Week
This week’s song is from Shelton, father of Adam, who wrote, “I don't like country music, but 'Be My Baby Tonight' by John Michael Montgomery is a favorite of mine. When Adam was a little boy, we used to sing this song together with his sisters. We used to jump up and down laughing and singing at the top of our lungs. So, when I hear this song it makes me think of those moments with Adam.”
You can send me favorite songs for this song of the week section at online@taps.org and include a note about why the song is meaningful to you.
Share Your Thoughts
If you would like to send a message thanking one or all of those who participated in this week’s Saturday Morning Message, send it to online@taps.org and your thoughts will be passed along to them. You never know how your words may touch the heart of another.
Related Stories
How Gardening Helps with Grieving
Many survivors find that gardening can help with the healing process after the death of a loved one.
3 Ways Gardening Changed My Outlook on Grief
After my husband died, I felt like there was no hope. Then I found gardening, and it became a source of healing in my grief journey
Other Items and Events of Interest
Join us on Memorial Day Weekend, May 28 to 30, for our 27th Annual National Military Survivor Seminar! We will be live streaming all of our general sessions with guest speakers.
Important Note: In-person registration is still open, but we are in a waitlist situation due to COVID occupancy restrictions in the State of Virginia.
If you have any questions, email seminarregistrations@taps.org or call our Helpline at 202.588.TAPS (8277).
▶▶ Connect With Your TAPS Family
You can discover all the opportunities to connect with your TAPS Family on our website at the TAPS Event Calendar.
About the Saturday Morning Message
The Saturday Morning Message (SMM) is a weekly communication contributed by survivors. The primary focus of the SMM is to foster peer-based connections for support and encouragement. It is the goal of this communication to foster a safe, supportive place where we can openly share in a nonjudgmental and caring manner. Read and contribute as you are comfortable. Content submitted for the SMM is edited for space considerations and may be used in other TAPS publications. The loving family at TAPS is available to you 24 hours a day. Please call 202-588-TAPS (8277).