As many of you know, my plucky mom is 96 years old and has been living alone since my dad died many years ago. Sadly, there was a health crisis recently and she went to the hospital. She lives a 10 hour drive away from us and we dropped everything to rush to be with her. We are now at her home dealing with the many things involved, day by day: back and forth to the hospital, setting up rehab, and finding a permanent care home that will meet her needs.
It’s sad, it’s hard, it’s scary to contemplate one’s own inevitable future, and it’s exhausting.
We haven’t had time to do anything worthy of a blog, but yesterday we stopped on the way back from the grocery store to spend a few minutes at this pretty place …
Penjing Bonsai Gardens
The owner, Feng Gu, originally from Shanghai, China, learned the art of bonsai from his grandfather in China.
He started the gardens near Melbourne in 1988 (some of the plants, as you will see, are even older than that).
Besides selling plants, you can watch Gary, as he is now called, as he tends to hundreds of miniature trees with his tiny tools and scissors.
Or like me you can just wander around and admire.
The above two trees are about four feet tall and since they only grow two to five inches a year, you can guess that these would be very old.
There are benches to sit on by the different
koi ponds, watch the fish, listen to music of the water,
and
just
breathe!
It was a wonderful break in a tough day!
I know how hard it is, but you have to do what you can to keep her safe. Hopefully she is feeling a bit better and will like her new space. Up here space is limited. 96 is an accomplishment in itself, God has blessed her with a long life. I hope you get a few more quiet moments of peace.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! I love the look of a bonsai tree but would never have the patience to tend to one! What an interesting story of the craft being passed along from his grandfather.
ReplyDeleteFirst let me say, I feel your pain with dealing with the aging process. It is difficult for all involved. I went through that with my parents - had to do it, but a joy in knowing you are helping others who really do need you at this time in their lives. Second, the garden is beautiful. I have small Asian inspired garden here. It is a restful spot for quiet and reflection. Nice.
ReplyDeleteA truly magical place - and just the kind of break you needed by the sound of it. I hope all goes well for your mother, but don't forget to make a little time for yourself too.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear of another health emergency for your mom. I was afraid by the title that is was worse. Looks like the bonsai garden was just what the doctor order for you and husband to get a calming break. I did wonder what had happened to you. Your last post was a camping trip I think in your new trailer.
ReplyDeleteHope things get lined up okay for your Mom's new place.
ReplyDelete(Have extra clothes for her; put her name in all of them; as the laundry tends to misplace or redistribute clothes among the residents. Had one family literally put initials in the crotch of each diaper, as those are "redistributed" to other rooms most quickly. One even put the name on the outside of sweat tops and pants.)
The garden looks like a beautiful place to rest. Take care of YOU too! Linda in Kansas
What a difficult time for you. I hope you find a home that you are happy with and feel confident about leaving your mum there. It is really hard when you live so far away.
ReplyDeleteHard times rarely give you fair warning. I hope you can make things work.
ReplyDeleteThe Bonsai Garden does look lovely, interesting he lived near Melbourne.
ReplyDeleteSorry to read about your mum, it is a busy, emotional time and exhausting time. Good luck and I do hope your mum will be ok.
Best wishes to your mom, a plucky lady who has had a long life. I am sure that a visit to the Bonsai Garden was therapeutic. All the best. David
ReplyDeleteAlways sad to hear a relative is ill, wish you all the best.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your mum but she has done well to get into her nineties and live by herself. I know it is a hard time for you as I've been through that with my mum many years ago now. Can you find a care home for her nearer to you so that you can visit easily? Glad yo found a good place to revive in for a while.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard and it is sad when you have to move them from their home. Hope you find a place your mother will be happy and well cared for, and maybe closer to you. Good to see a post from you.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful to have those moments of peace and beauty in the midst of trials and heartache? You picked a wonderful place to do just that.
ReplyDelete