The Garden That Ended Too Soon
The Garden That Ended Too Soon
Pull up a chair and sit awhile
July 16, 2026
Dear Friend:
One spring, my parents allowed me to plant flowers in a small strip of ground beside our house. It was my own little garden. I looked forward to working there every day. It wasn't a big garden, but it was mine.
I loved caring for those flowers—pulling weeds, watering them, and adding fertilizer. Every time I walked past my little garden, it brought a smile to my face. I would even get upset if my brother's ball landed on top of my beautiful flowers.
Then one day, everything changed.
I was running through the yard when I felt something under my foot. A bee had stung me. My foot quickly swelled, and my mother took me to the doctor. That's when we learned I was allergic to bee venom.
My parents decided I could no longer work in the garden.
Just like that, my days as a gardener came to an end.
Although I never became a gardener, I never lost my appreciation for beautiful flowers. Even today, I enjoy walking through botanical gardens, admiring colorful flower beds, and appreciating the work of people who love to garden.
One of my favorite places is Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. I love walking among the spring tulips, the spectacular chrysanthemums in the fall, and, of course, experiencing A Longwood Christmas with its thousands of lights, beautifully decorated conservatories, and dancing fountain shows.
I also enjoy Hershey Gardens, overlooking the town of Hershey, Pennsylvania. Its seasonal flower displays, magnificent rose garden, butterfly atrium, and peaceful walking paths make it a place I never tire of visiting.
What I love most about gardens isn't just their beauty or their wonderful fragrance. It's the peace they offer.
There is something almost poetic about a garden. I find myself walking quietly, without feeling the need to speak, simply taking in the beauty around me. For a little while, the worries of everyday life seem to fade into the background.
Perhaps that's one reason gardens have such a calming effect on us. Beauty gives our minds a chance to rest. When we're surrounded by clutter, noise, and constant demands, our brains remain on alert. A beautiful garden, a favorite piece of music, a work of art, or even a thoughtfully decorated room can gently quiet our minds and refresh our spirits.
Maybe beauty isn't a luxury at all.
Maybe it's one of the ways we care for our hearts.
Gardens like Longwood and Hershey Gardens remind us to slow down. They ask nothing of us except to be present for a little while.
We all have places that fill us with beauty and peace. They may be a garden, a beach, a quiet mountain trail, a favorite church, or simply a comfortable chair by a window.
Where is the place that brings you peace?
Until next time, stay well, stay safe, and stay connected to those you love.
Be well,
Emma
Emma is the voice behind Sharing with Seniors, where every story starts with a memory. Through stories of family, friendships, music, traditions, hometowns, and life's simple pleasures, she invites readers to pull up a chair, stay awhile, and remember the moments that have shaped their lives.