Margaret's Garden

I believe whatever is meant to be will be, trusting that things happen for a reason. I wasn’t always a believer, but more of a skeptic. That has changed over time. I hear so many saying, "I wish I could go back and change the past." But why? Our past is our future, teaching and molding us, and eventually leading us to where we are meant to be.

It does sound a bit puzzling, and at times, I think that’s what life is, one big crazy riddle, never solved until the end of time, quite possibly within that very last breath, thus giving reason for each of us to make the most of every second of that which is so very precious – time. I’ve come to acknowledge that more, as I get older and wiser. Ah, maturity, it always finds us – hopefully sooner than later, but I digress.

Late Friday afternoon I found myself just where I was meant to be, with a friend walking through our neighborhood, mourning the end of one season (we both love the cold weather), and appreciating the beginning of another (but we love the colors of spring). We found ourselves in a garden that we often admire. Lucky for us, the gardener was present, busy performing her magic. (Thank you, Margaret, for the tour of the front and back gardens, and for the conversation, too. It truly was a pleasure making your acquaintance. Your creative endeavors are a window into your world, revealing the kindness that’s in your heart and the wisdom stored deep within your soul. Your labor of love is a work of art and feeds the world, enriching the lives of many. I know it fed at least one weary soul – mine!)

After a not-so-perfect Wednesday, and a Thursday of waiting patiently for answers, I was running on empty, feeling a bit lost and disillusioned. The outcome proved encouraging, and I’m hopeful for the long-term, of that which seems never ending but ultimately needs resolution. The aforementioned will sound a bit cryptic for most, but for me it’s an important time point, deserving a journal entry, and I hope to look back and reread my words, appreciating the testament to my resolve.

I had a moment this week when I just wanted to go back and change the past, but it was fleeting because that’s something I would never want to do, because there are so many beautiful people I can’t begin to imagine not meeting that bring so much joy and enthusiasm to my world, and I was reminded of that when I stepped into Margaret’s Garden.

That peaceful oasis in the city was waiting to be explored by me, and at the right time. It was healing – by no means a patch, but truly healing – restoring my faith in the unknown, and at the same time helping me to value those inspirational guides (dare I say angels) that keep me strong in the face of adversity.

I think it’s important to admit vulnerable moments because they bring us closer to the change needed, which is instrumental in getting us to the place where we are meant to be. Here’s to taking nothing for granted. Life happens! Live it passionately, and not simply surviving. – paerki