|
|
"Buffalo
Bob" |
|
|
By Joseph J. Mazzella As a boy I learned so
much growing up the way I did. We didn't have very much, yet we were
rich in all that mattered. My Mom, Dad, brothers, and I all lived with
my Grandma in her ramshackle house built from old shanty cars. It was
cold and drafty at times but we could always count on a hot meal made
with love to warm our bellies and our hearts. "Nana" had an
old root cellar, four different vegetable gardens and a green thumb when
it came to growing things. We could always count then on a delicious
dinner every day. Nana wasn't content with
just growing food, though. She wanted something beautiful for the soul
as well. She had flowers growing all around the house and potted plants
hanging on the back porch. She always knew how to nurture each plant
too. She would give each one the perfect amount of water and turn it
regularly so it wouldn't grow crooked as it stretched toward the
sunshine. I can even remember her once chasing a stray cat away with
some harsh Italian words for daring to use one of her precious plants as
a litter box. Sadly, I didn't inherit
Nana's green thumb for growing things. I have grown vegetables even
rabbits wouldn't steal and I have found that my flowers do far better
when I just leave them alone. I did, however, learn one thing from Nana:
how to nurture the soul. I do so each day helping
it to grow. I give thanks to God for the food in my
stomach and the flowers in the field.
I spend time in prayer. I cherish the beauty of this glorious world. I
read works that uplift and inspire. I pet my dogs. I laugh often. I hug
my sons and daughter. I share smiles with strangers and my stories with
everyone I can. I help others. And I plant seeds of love, joy, kindness,
and encouragement everywhere I go. May you do the same. May your green
thumb nurture your soul and this world with love always.
|
||
