For a couple of years we used my grandparents garden space as well as ours. It allowed us to grow far more food to store and freeze for winter. It brought joy to them to see a garden growing in their yard again, after many years of being empty and it made it possible for my kids to develop relationships with their great grandparents.

But, two years ago we didn’t get over there to plant and the habit we had was altered. As a result we saw them less and they ventured outside very rarely. Therefore, this year we grabbed our shovels, gloves and inspiration to get the job done.

They have become very aged at 96 and 89; they have not made a trip outside in many months, maybe even a year. Our family is divided on whether we should be over there getting them excited or disrupting their quiet life but I made the executive decision to go for it, because when I am at the end of my life I want to go to bed thinking of my garden and children laughing rather than medicine, doctors and monotony.

The first day, both of them made several trips to a window that looks out into the garden. They were inspired by what we were planting, how we liked the dirt and when we were going to water. My grandpa called me three times in one day to ask me questions and give me pointers. They were both Master Gardeners and my inspiration to become one and he is so excited to think there are potatoes and carrots in his yard, again.

By the third day, he actually braved the stairs and made his way to the patio to sit and watch us work. We had asked if we could take out a very large part of the grass to enlarge the growing area. His reply, “In these economic times, maybe we should take all the grass out.” I was glad to know his precious grass wasn’t as important as in years past. We rented a sod cutter and rototiller and doubled the space the next day. I’m blessed to be a part of bringing some joy to their very quiet days.

As I have developed my own garden over the years, I have thought many times, “What will happen to all of my landscaping when I am old? Will my kids try to keep it up for me, or will I have to let it go as I see so many seniors yards in my own neighborhood?” It’s a good question and I am trying to do my part for my own grandparents, to keep their yard nice and to grow food for us all.

Have you done anything kind for a senior lately, or will you make a plan to do so? May is Senior Citizen month, please inspire, bless or consider doing something special for the senior citizens in your life. We have friends who go to the Retirement Homes and play games, or take an instrument to play or share the day with them, just to take some of the monotony away. Make it a family tradition to involve the very special generation that is often forgotten in our own busyness. Inspire a senior today!!

Tags: elders, garden, Gardening, grandparents, inspiration