In the days leading up to Dad's shuffling off the coil, we were tidying up the garden. It always felt a bit odd knowing he'd never see it. We always were a gardening family. His native garden is stunning - today we picked flowers for his coffin from there. He would have loved that so much.
<p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23yTjMN1SS7KyHv56GsKEa11qcP1rFkVcZfJzbxMDFm64u4AMsB7N6BQgsmcyKp3JbWyM.jpeg" alt="received_508820768750295.jpeg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23yTjMN1SS7KyHv56GsKEa11qcP1rFkVcZfJzbxMDFm64u4AMsB7N6BQgsmcyKp3JbWyM.jpeg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23yTjMN1SS7KyHv56GsKEa11qcP1rFkVcZfJzbxMDFm64u4AMsB7N6BQgsmcyKp3JbWyM.jpeg 2x" /> <p dir="auto">But that's enough of that. Life goes on. The honey eaters shake the banksia as they feast on pollen. The pelicans fly over. The rabbits dig the mulch in the moonlight. <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23xyRDsjopP2gxPtyab1aTQDgC9eWj4Xqno87BjPRwFfGr5RsdYrypEJBfDA5RSTufqyR.jpg" alt="IMG20240930150325.jpg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23xyRDsjopP2gxPtyab1aTQDgC9eWj4Xqno87BjPRwFfGr5RsdYrypEJBfDA5RSTufqyR.jpg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23xyRDsjopP2gxPtyab1aTQDgC9eWj4Xqno87BjPRwFfGr5RsdYrypEJBfDA5RSTufqyR.jpg 2x" /> <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/Eos1ihLZcgWbuu8hwngdqqaYKCHePxokR5pQ9ybbA93QWYi8cpSYg86ULmdC4NoXdYr.jpg" alt="IMG20240930150332.jpg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/Eos1ihLZcgWbuu8hwngdqqaYKCHePxokR5pQ9ybbA93QWYi8cpSYg86ULmdC4NoXdYr.jpg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/Eos1ihLZcgWbuu8hwngdqqaYKCHePxokR5pQ9ybbA93QWYi8cpSYg86ULmdC4NoXdYr.jpg 2x" /> <p dir="auto">Here's the view now from my bathroom window, early morning when I wake with a broken heart. Don't worry I'm fine. It's all just part of the process. <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EoGxrvd6ivxweVPUsRUdw2ojRw5F5oHRjmNyicuFxkH2csTaFXUEdSXdw5K8RASX8kT.jpg" alt="IMG20240930063339.jpg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EoGxrvd6ivxweVPUsRUdw2ojRw5F5oHRjmNyicuFxkH2csTaFXUEdSXdw5K8RASX8kT.jpg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EoGxrvd6ivxweVPUsRUdw2ojRw5F5oHRjmNyicuFxkH2csTaFXUEdSXdw5K8RASX8kT.jpg 2x" /> <p dir="auto">The irises are almost ready to bloom. I've staked them this year with bamboo as the wind always gets them and I really want them to stand tall. <p dir="auto">The grevillea in the back garden behind the tool shed is stunning. Australia has some amazing natives and this time of year they are just resplendent. <p dir="auto">The quince tree has taken over in showiness now the plum is done. We are still yelling at crows where they come to steal eggs. The small apple tree is flowering next to the soft yarrow. <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23tH3i9MPUx8zpZK9zn56Vv5nwaD3abwaH6aZ81qnoixhBE2nJXWQiWGtq62ViPNsHEMU.jpg" alt="IMG20240930150248.jpg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23tH3i9MPUx8zpZK9zn56Vv5nwaD3abwaH6aZ81qnoixhBE2nJXWQiWGtq62ViPNsHEMU.jpg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23tH3i9MPUx8zpZK9zn56Vv5nwaD3abwaH6aZ81qnoixhBE2nJXWQiWGtq62ViPNsHEMU.jpg 2x" /> <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23sxLQCUTbSyBSZ2488UD7JDtrizPrjgPHpWoF62YMad59ri8cyou9QptJLFbzLxjbRFS.jpg" alt="IMG20240930150232.jpg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23sxLQCUTbSyBSZ2488UD7JDtrizPrjgPHpWoF62YMad59ri8cyou9QptJLFbzLxjbRFS.jpg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23sxLQCUTbSyBSZ2488UD7JDtrizPrjgPHpWoF62YMad59ri8cyou9QptJLFbzLxjbRFS.jpg 2x" /> <p dir="auto">It's frustrating that no veggies were planted over winter but I'm sure as the weather warms up it won't be long. The self seeded fennel is good though. Mulched around the central fruit trees. The young afourer mandarin is sending up new growth after a good water and some fertilizer. I don't know what part of 'water the mandarin' the tenants missed. He was bloody useless. <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EoK6NhcEPypAtWqYwG2Zyn2dpLWNeJXKdpNfBbwy4RAqvUNvgbJ6VLcs1GkaNap7PXF.jpg" alt="IMG20240930150447.jpg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EoK6NhcEPypAtWqYwG2Zyn2dpLWNeJXKdpNfBbwy4RAqvUNvgbJ6VLcs1GkaNap7PXF.jpg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EoK6NhcEPypAtWqYwG2Zyn2dpLWNeJXKdpNfBbwy4RAqvUNvgbJ6VLcs1GkaNap7PXF.jpg 2x" /> <p dir="auto">Jamie did a lot of raking up of leaves in the front of the house. I think such a simple job was soothing in the wake of Dad's death. Dad was always raking up gum leaves. I guess it's part of having an Aussie garden. <p dir="auto">That's all I got today folks. Been a tough old week. <p dir="auto"><center> <h1><code>With Love, <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23t6xT1abr5kFMeEirKwZ2QqT6MK9U4SBpKCQZAjVEojgm7uSSGL9AJSuwtBsUmMAV5jv.png" alt="image.png" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23t6xT1abr5kFMeEirKwZ2QqT6MK9U4SBpKCQZAjVEojgm7uSSGL9AJSuwtBsUmMAV5jv.png 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/23t6xT1abr5kFMeEirKwZ2QqT6MK9U4SBpKCQZAjVEojgm7uSSGL9AJSuwtBsUmMAV5jv.png 2x" /> <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EogG2baUD4RNS5yfiTq7hva94RWsWxBuwaGW2Jm8Z6svsMaZfJL1f4mrY4pgMuFErZk.jpg" alt="My Post.jpg" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EogG2baUD4RNS5yfiTq7hva94RWsWxBuwaGW2Jm8Z6svsMaZfJL1f4mrY4pgMuFErZk.jpg 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/EogG2baUD4RNS5yfiTq7hva94RWsWxBuwaGW2Jm8Z6svsMaZfJL1f4mrY4pgMuFErZk.jpg 2x" /> <p dir="auto"><img src="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/AJiu1CanaMtzky7bPqri5N3CFRF8uREPd7XqQHnrsxBga1Ru9enVRFPkFVhuao3.png" alt="HG SMALL.png" srcset="https://images.hive.blog/768x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/AJiu1CanaMtzky7bPqri5N3CFRF8uREPd7XqQHnrsxBga1Ru9enVRFPkFVhuao3.png 1x, https://images.hive.blog/1536x0/https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/riverflows/AJiu1CanaMtzky7bPqri5N3CFRF8uREPd7XqQHnrsxBga1Ru9enVRFPkFVhuao3.png 2x" /> <p dir="auto"><strong>Join <a href="https://peakd.com/c/hive-140635/created" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="This link will take you away from hive.blog" class="external_link">The Hive Garden Community! The <a href="https://peakd.com/c/hive-140635/created" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="This link will take you away from hive.blog" class="external_link">HIVE GARDEN COMMUNITY<a href="https://peakd.com/c/hive-140635/created" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="This link will take you away from hive.blog" class="external_link">here!<span> supports gardening, homesteading, cannabis growers, permaculture and other garden related content. Delegations to the curation account, <a href="/@gardenhive">@gardenhive, are welcome! Find our community <p dir="auto"><strong>Are you on HIVE yet? Earn for writing! Referral link for FREE account <a href="https://hiveonboard.com?ref=riverflowsJ" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="This link will take you away from hive.blog" class="external_link">here!<br /> <a href="https://peakd.com/@naturalmedicine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" title="This link will take you away from hive.blog" class="external_link"> <p dir="auto">
The flowers were beautifully arranged and your Dad would be happy to see the effort from above.😊
I think so too. He loved his garden and the native flowers are far more authentic than anything we could have bought.
I'm sure the memories bring joy in your life.😊😊
Bless you guys. Haven’t been on here much these past few days, so thoughts go out to you and Jamie.
Thanks so much Nick. Appreciate it 🙏💕
A beautiful arrangement, I know how hard it is, but in the face of heart-breaking grief think you are doing your Dad proud and will no doubt give him the send-off that he deserves. Very sorry for your loss. X
Oh hey mate. Long time no see. Thanks so much for the kindest words much needed.
No problem - the sharing of your grief is a testament to who you are, and the overwhelming love you have for your dad is a testament to the man he was. Big love to you and all of your family. X
How beautiful, I also take some flowers to my grandmother when there are flowers in my garden, 4 and a half years after her departure, nothing feels the same when a loved one leaves, but that's how it is, life goes on and what better than to continue taking care of the beautiful garden you have ❤️
Bless you 🙏
Oh thanks so much. I'll be honouring him in all kinds of ways I'm sure. I think I'll buy a flowering plants this week in his honour.
At least it's spring, that was the balm I looked forward to. I loved the flowers for your dad, excellent!
There's absolutely a sense of hope in the air, very much Dad's own spirit. He is everywhere in the lightening world.
I felt the same about my husband. He was all around that first year.
It's a weird adjustment I think - that lack of physical presence has to be understood somehow by our own senses. It's hard NOT to see or feel their presence. At Mums, it feels like he's still there and he's late coming back from a surf.
And then there were all the odd occurrences that happened in the house that first year...
I'm very sorry for your loss, @riverflows. The loss of a parent leaves such a big gaping hole. Wishing you peace and healing.
Oh @jayna thankyou. It does feel like I have joined a tribe. Of course I knew he was not immortal - almost.
I loved the flowers arrangement and I am so sorry for your lost. Your dad will smile from above seeing that flower arrangement.
Thanks so much Mac. I'm sure he will.
♥️♥️♥️
Peace, grief and acceptance. I think you cared for your father in every way you could. That brings peace. Acceptance, that's hard.
Anyone who has lost a parent (most of us have) feels you sorrow.
Sincere sympathy, @riverflows.
The logic that parents must die is clear - the emotional horror of it not so much. You can guess which one I am here, can't you? Mum said I looked like that at him my whole life.
So sorry for your loss @riverflows,, sending love. Your flower arrangement is beautiful. 🩷🙏