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Monday 9 July 2018

Life from the courtyard

Every summer I volunteer at the courtyard garden of Prince County Hospital, working with a team to tend the garden for the enjoyment of patients, staff and visitors. The last time as I volunteered, my mind wandered as it often does.


The plants understand. Those which live in the hospital garden know full well the cycle of life. It surrounds them in the courtyard where their own dramas play out. They also witness it through the windows inside the hospital rooms.


The stairs, behind glass, always attract the attention of the plants too. They watch as a young man runs up, taking two steps at a time. He almost collides with a nurse as he rounds a corner.


The irises have seen this before. They know the next day that same man will get off the elevator with a young woman in a wheelchair, carrying a bundle in her arms. The plants also know they’ll be back to do this again.


They’ve listened as an older woman in a wheelchair was assisted into the garden by that same young man. She wanted to feel the sun on her face again, see the rhododendron in bloom and hear the robins. She spoke of love as the young man listened and spoke the same.


Love is strange to the plants. They hear the word but don’t understand. Could love be how they feel when the sun shines or when it rains and they’re thirsty? Is it how they feel when humans help and admire them? Whatever it is, it or something like it, draws people to this courtyard, day after day, season after season, year after year.




Shasta the daisy nodded. “There goes another one running up the steps,” she said.


28 comments:

John "By Stargoose And Hanglands" said...

Beautiful thoughts. Whether flowers understand love or not, they bring a lot of joy to the sick and the healthy.

Anvilcloud said...

I've heard the term 'smarty pants' but now it's 'smarty plants'.

Linda d said...

This is just lovely Marie. The life cycle played out inside and out. A dance within a dance. Beautiful

DJan said...

You are branching out in your writing, Marie. I do like this perspective of love from one flower to another. They are lucky to have you, and I'm lucky to have found you, too. :-)

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I agree with John, flowers and plants bring much comfort and joy whether they are aware not. Beautiful post Marie

Silver in AZ said...

very uniquely told story, Marie. I appreciate that! :)

William Kendall said...

Well said, and a pretty shot!

Tabor said...

What a perfect mind drift!

Jenn said...

Lovely piece of writing.

Bill said...

Well said Marie and a beautiful daisy.

jenny_o said...

You've brought tears to my eyes, Marie. A lovely piece of writing and reminds me of my father in his last days. I took him outside on a warm June day and it was his last time to feel the sun on his face.

Elephant's Child said...

How I love the care which goes into a hospital garden. Peace, comfort and beauty for patients, families, staff...
Thank you.

Retired Knitter said...

Lovely musings.

Rhodesia said...

Lovely post. Take care Diane

Marie Smith said...

They sure do John.

Marie Smith said...

Lol. It is AC.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Linda.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Jan. It’s great to let your mind wander every now and then.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you PDP.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you SW.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you William.

Marie Smith said...

It passed the time for sure Tabor.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

Shasta thanks you Bill.

Marie Smith said...

Jenny, I see younger people wheeling their parents or grandparents into the garden and always wonder if it will be the last time too.

Marie Smith said...

It is always a pleasure to work there EC.

Marie Smith said...

Thank you RK.

Marie Smith said...

Thanks Diane.