The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies. Gertrude Jekyll

Annie's Little Plot

Annie's Little Plot

Tuesday 28 May 2013

A Sad Spring

This is such a difficult post to write, I didn't know whether to talk about this here or let it go by, but this blog is not just about my gardening its about my life and life is made up of shades of dark and light. We all have our share of difficult times and my family have had a tough few months. My dad has not been in great health for a few years but this has escalated in the last 6 months, my family and I have been there with him through many hospital admissions. I now know the M62 like the back of my hand.
I'm sad to say that my lovely dad passed away a couple of weeks ago, and though he'd been poorly for quite a while, that never really makes it any easier. He died peacefully in hospital and I have to say the care he recieved there in his last days was impecable, caring and respectful. I'm incredibly lucky to be part of a big family of 4 sisters and a big brother, I'm the youngest, and we are all supporting each other and my mum to get through these sad days.
I won't write much here except to say what a big support dad's been in my life, taking me round to all my activities when I was young, helping me through university, starting my first job and always there when I needed a big hug. I'm incredibly fortunate to say that I know that my dad and mum have always been there for me, not everyone can say that. Dad wasn't a great gardener himself, surprising maybe as his dad was such a keen gardener and Grandad was one of my inspirations for getting into growing my own, but dad helped my mum out in the garden and they loved to spend time out there with their dog.
Having my garden and my allotment has helped me get through the last few months to take time out from all the difficult times and I know it will continue to help me get by. Spring is a beautiful time, with May probably being my favourite time of year, and though things are behind this year its lovely that at last the blossom is out and tulips are in bloom but a sad time for me this year.

19 comments:

  1. Annie, my heartfelt sympathy. Take care, Flighty xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm so sorry Annie - I've been there with both my parents and know how it feels. My dad died suddenly and mum after a long illness and both ways were equally painful.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending my love. Debbie. xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and indeed of your other followers losses as well. Take care and perhaps plant something in his memory in your lovely garden.x

    ReplyDelete
  5. My condolences to you and your family on the sad loss of your dad.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so sad to read this please accept my most sincere condolences to you and your family. I agree with Gillibob above that you should plant something in his memory so that he can inspire you in the time to come. Take care xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. So sorry to hear about your Dad Annie - my thoughts are with you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm so sorry for your loos.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm so sorry to read such sad news, my sincere condolences to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So sorry to hear of your loss - thoughts with you at this sad time.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm so sorry for your loss, Annie.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Awwwww....I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father sounds like a wonderful caring man who was dearly loved and appreciated. It's never easy to part with such a lovely person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. So sorry to hear the sad news about your Dad, it is never easy to lose a parent, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks to all of you for you kind words and thoughts. I know some of you have gone through this yourself. It didn't feel right to continue writing my blog as if nothing had happened.
    You are a lovely bunch of people. Feels like you get to know people through their love of gardening and their blogs and its nice to get your support.
    Will take me a while, but looking forward to catching up on your blogs and seeing what you have been up to in your plots.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh Annie I am thinking of you at what is a difficult and sad time. Hope that you can find some comfort in your garden and on your plot. Take care xxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'm very sorry for your loss, Annie. It's always especially hard to lose a parent. I hope your garden continues to provide comfort for you.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm so sorry to hear your sad news Annie. It's good to hear you've got close family around and that your plot and garden are there to provide you a space to escape to. Take care. WW xxx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Huge sympathies, Annie. We lost my beloved dad last spring, a devastating loss. This spring brought back so many hard memories of those last days, but as you say it is tempered a little at this time of year by the surge of life in the world around us. My garden is still my solace, besides family. I hope your family, garden and allotment bring you some peace.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm so sorry to hear your news Annie. A lovely heartfelt post for your dad. I'm glad you're finding gardening helpful. I find its one of the only activities where you can either lose yourself in your thoughts or have a completely quiet mind. Take care xxx

    ReplyDelete