When you work in a small garden centre many of the people passing through the doors become special gardening friends, and some become life long friends. We have seen relationships bloom, babies born, and mature into young gardeners.
And sadly we have lost many of our older favorite’s as they age and leave us.
I have one person who stands out, away from the rest, fond memories of a great customer, and a even greater friend.
He was definitely the most crotchety, and grumpy customer I had ever dealt with in all my years at garden centers. Upset with us because we did not have a ready supply of Aloe Vera 4 inch pots available immediately after reopening in the spring. And he declared that the 6 inch pots were much to expensive compared to the local Big Box.
Determined to charm him, and impress my new boss, I wheedled my way into his good graces, by explaining marketing ploys, and how a small independent could give him much better customer service, and choice, if only he would be patient until the plants were ready for sale.
We embarked on a friendship that only lasted a few years, but brought me much joy, and I hope that it did to him also. A prairie farmer, he had relocated to BC, to grow older. After he lost his wife, he kind of lost his way, old age, and pain taking him further from family, and friends.
He became a regular visitor to the garden centre, and my day was good every time I saw him. He would stand, leaning on his cane, and we would look at the plants in the retail greenhouse, and discuss life, until my boss’s glances told me it was time to return to work. Those were some of my best days.
My day dimmed terribly, when a close friend of his came to tell me that he had passed away over winter break. My friend had made sure to have someone come and tell me gently, but it didn’t help ease the loss.
There are some beautiful flowers in my garden of memories, one for each special gardener who shared parts of their lives with us.
They bloom perfectly in my mind.
Forever.
Jen
Jen, I'm so very sorry for your friend's passing. But I'm glad you were able to create a friendship with him. What a lovely tribute you've written here.
ReplyDeleteI was trying so hard to convey the essence of what great gardening friends I have met over the years working at various greenhouses. And somehow I don't think I clearly explained that some of these memories can go back quite a while.
ReplyDeleteThere are many memories of wonderful people that I have met, through the almost 2 decades that I worked in garden centers. Some of them I still see quite regularly, they show up at my new retail job, and they ask "don't you miss the flowers?" No, I miss the wonderful people I have met, and here you are now.
Jen
Be right back, gotta grab a tissue. Ahem, okay...this is beautiful Jen. I do believe that gardeners truly have hearts that bloom!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jen. There are those that come into our lives so softly and leave a huge footprint. It is sad to say goodbye. What a great job - to work in the gardens and meet so many other gardeners.
ReplyDeleteI think our gardening friends who are gone, can continue to live on with what we have learned from them about the garden. I have a very dear friend, who is a world-renown landscape architect who I have been blessed to have worked with on many projects. He is quite old and ailing and I treasure our meetings so much more now as I do not know how many more we will have together.
ReplyDeleteOh Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. I too have a crotchety old man living next door who used to grow a beautiful abundant garden. This last year, he was too blind to see and fight all those weeds and I am sure it was a blow to his confidence and ego to have his garden not turn out in spite of all his best efforts. He is 89 years old and still lives alone, in spite of his macular degeneration and glaucoma. I try to help him whenever he asks, but have never ventured into the back garden to help to weed. He used to spend hours and hours in the hot sun donned in his straw hat and work clothes.
ReplyDeleteI wish you comfort and dread the day when I hear the same news about my old friends.
~a
I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Jen, but I suspect you gave him as much pleasure with your attentiveness and guidance as he gave you. This is a lovely tribute, and your serene photos are a perfect compliment.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen~~ You've crafted a superbly poignant epitaph. There is something about these ancient types that invites a sincere effort to break down his/her walls, don't you think? You just know there is a sweet person beneath what age and hardships have wrought. Unearthing that inner jewel is such a blessing. We need to honor our old people as you've so eloquently shared. Beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteHow sad and yet sweet that you made a friend of the old gentleman and then lost him. I imagine he saw his chats with you as a highlight to his day.
ReplyDeleteWe meet so many different people in our lives and some of them really stick don't they? They become part of our lives even if they never come to our homes or us to theirs.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your friend, Jen. It seems in the time you knew each other, you brightened each other's days. I wanted to thank you for your Christmas and New Year's wishes. I've not been around the computer too much lately, my father-in-law passed away unexpectedly, shortly before Christmas, so the routine is a little out of kilter as a result. I hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautifully loving tribute, Jen. I have no doubt that you were a source of much joy in his life, enriching and uplifting him in a truly meaningful way.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Carolynn
Jen, what beautiful words for beautiful memories about a lost friend. I'm sure you were a very important part of his life. I'm so sorry. I know you shall miss him. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
I am sorry for your loss. Look at all the joy you gave each other, that will be forever.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written. Having worked a garden center myself, I understand how you connect with with folks. You are a very sweet person and brought the gentleman who passed away joy in his life.
ReplyDeleteI have lots of flower friends too..some are just blooming in heaven..I am sorry for your loss. Your photos of the sunset and the ducks are beautiful. How lucky he was to have you for a special gardening friend:)
ReplyDeleteJen, a lovely tribute to your friend. I can picture him and imagine what pleasure he drew from his visits to the garden centre - and from chatting with you.
ReplyDeleteI also want to say thank you for your very kind words on my blog. They really did provide comfort.
Stunning photos to go with a loving tribute. So sorry for your loss. I'm sure he enjoyed your company as much as you did his.
ReplyDeleteI've had friends like this too that I've made at the garden center that I've gone to for year. It's wonderful to be able to catch up year after year with the same people each spring and throughout the summer. I'm sorry for your loss. Relationships, however casual enrich our lives. A post like this reminds us all of what is really important. People.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful thoughts. I'm sure you helped make his memories fond also. Many people would not have given a crotchedy old man the time of day. Gardening certainly spans generations & brings us all together in our passion.
ReplyDeleteJen, This is a beautifully written heartfelt elegy for your friend. I am so sorry for your loss. There is a uniqueness to people who bring joy hidden beneath their crusty shells... friendships worthy of the effort for they are often the sweetest oysters of our lives. May your memories of this dear friend continue to blossom and may they nurture and bring you deep smiles. Your stunning photographs are the perfect compliment to your words. Lovely and touching post.
ReplyDeleteOh Jen, I am so sorry for the loss of this dear man. He was very happy to visit with and get to know you better, I am sure. You filled his lonely days, or helped to somewhat after his wife's passing. It was touching that someone came to tell you about it too. A sad but sweet story.
ReplyDeleteFrances
I am sure his friendship meant as much to him as to you.
ReplyDeleteHard to see to type when there are tears in your eyes...sorry for your loss Jen. You made on older person's days a little brighter, for that you are blessed. Kim
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story . How lucky you are to have been his friend.
ReplyDeleteA heartfelt story, Jen. It is so wonderful to connect with customers, patients, clients, etc. And, I value many of the friendships that I have formed this way. Wonderful how a visit from a friend can transform your entire day. I am sure that he valued your friendship just as you did his. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteoh Jen this is beautiful. Im sorry for the loss of a friend but what a lovely tribute.
ReplyDelete