While I was watering my tomatoes this morning (there's nothing like a still-warm-from-the sun ripe tomato), I started thinking about my Mom. I started growing them each year because of her. She just LOVED fresh tomatoes, and I LOVED the fact that I could bring some sunshine into her life by doing this! Each year, after they were planted, she would ask for daily updates about how they were doing, eagerly anticipating the beginning of the harvest....
Last spring, I was still feeling raw from the loss of Mom...I debated whether or not to plant tomatoes...and decided that I would...caring for the plants, I spent time thinking about her and feeling not only the loss, but, over time, the memories of the good times that we had shared....as the first wave of tomatoes ripened, my daughter and family came to visit....two-year old Emma was fascinated by the tomatoes....and wanted to taste them...we picked and washed, and she sat down to feast...her eyes lit up with her first taste of a tomato off the vine, much as my Mom's used to...it was food for my soul, and brought joy to my heart...
So, this year, as I am watering the tomatoes, I not only think of my Mom and the joy that they brought to her, but the joy that they will bring to my now three-year old Emma....she even called me yesterday to see how they were growing!
Awww, that is so precious! I love fresh tomatoes, especially on sourdough bread!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a lovely way to honor your Mom.
ReplyDeleteLovely story about your mother and granddaughter.....Happy Mothers Day....:-) Hugs
ReplyDeleteIt's in the things we share with the ones we love that we honour and remember the past - you did the right thing for yourself, and your Mom, and Emma, by continuing this tradition. A lovely post, Saranne, and Happy Mother's Day to you.
ReplyDeleteI grow tomatoes too.......nearly faint with joy at the taste of them right off the plant. What the hell are those tasteless red things we get in the supermarket.......they should be flogged for calling them tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteMy little tomatoes are only about six inches tall. I always plant some cherry tomatoes...the grandkiddos just love eatin' the right off the vine.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to remember your mom. I'm sure she smiles every time Emma eats or helps with the tomatoes.
God bless ya and enjoy your Mother's Day!!!
What a lovely memory and a lovely story. I'm guessing Miss Emma will have fond memories of tomatoes as well.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day,
jj
I don't think I've read a better example of 'and life goes on' for a long time than this.
ReplyDelete"Food for the soul"...What a lovely post and a wonderful telling of loss but also of carrying on and finding joy. Happy Mother's Day~!
ReplyDelete