How Gardening Helped Me Heal—And Taught My Neighbor an Important Lesson
Gardening became my lifeline after heartbreak. What started as a patch of soil soon turned into my sanctuary—a place for healing, joy, and love poured into every plant. But one summer morning, I discovered my hard work had been stripped bare. The surprising part? The person behind it lived just two doors down.
Instead of letting anger take over, I chose a different path—and it changed more than just my garden.
Finding Solace in the Soil
My name is Betty. I’m 60, a widow, and a grandmother of three. After my husband passed away, I needed something to bring purpose back into my days. Gardening gave me that and more.
When I moved in with my daughter Sarah, she encouraged me to use the vacant lot next door. Soon, that empty space transformed into rows of tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, strawberries, and a peach tree that reminded me of my husband’s love for tending the land. My grandkids loved helping, turning each harvest into a family celebration.
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