Wednesday 17 February 2010

A fond farewell.........

The day started with blue skies and bird song. It felt like spring.
The old apple tree is being eaten from the inside out........from the hollow tumbles rich organic matter. Beneath her canopy is the perfect place for spring bulbs. I drove to the nursery early this morning and came back with dwarf iris, snowdrops, and miniature daffodils.

Last night Mr P and I lost a very dear friend. Keith had faced illness for most of his adult life. In and out of hospital, looking death in the face several times.


I never once heard him complain.
Instead Keith got on with life. He decided he would do something positive.....
Over the last two decades he has raised thousands and thousands of pounds for those less fortunate than himself.....
He was a bright and cheerful man, with a heart of gold.
The spring bulbs honour the man I am proud to call my friend. I know as each spring passes and the pretty blooms appear, I shall hear his laughter and remember the wonderful times we all had together.
Sleep peacefully my friend........



25 comments:

Amy said...

Cheryl, A beautiful tribute with stunning photos. Memorial plants make a garden even more special, and I love the annual expectation and surprise that comes with Spring bulbs.

Keith's "heart of gold" is reflected in the "gold" spot on the iris.

I'm truly sorry for your loss.

Liz said...

Hi Cheryl,

So sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. The spring bulbs are indeed a wonderful memorial to him...

Such wonderful flowers, for a wonderful man.

Dan said...

Oh Cheryl, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to a full and enjoyed life of a dear friend.
Dan
-x-

ShySongbird said...

I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of your friend Cheryl but that really is a lovely memorial to him. He sounded a remarkable man who I'm sure will be remembered by all who knew him and by all those whose lives were touched by his generosity.

What beautiful bulbs you chose to honour him, a lovely reminder, not that you would ever need reminding I know! The photos are beautiful too.

Gigibird said...

I’m so sorry to hear of the death of a dear friend.
I think it is lovely to remember his life with plants that symbolize the new growth of spring and new beginnings.

On a slightly different subject – I am delighted to find you are an auricula grower. I thought if I can feed and look after hedgehogs I can do the same for auriculas!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

So sorry to hear about Keith passing away. The spring bulbs are a very nice way to remember him. Sounds like he was a grand man with a heart of gold.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I remember you mentioning him before. I know you will always remember him. You have my sympathy. This is a beautiful tribute to Keith. ((hugs))

Miranda Bell said...

Dear Cheryl - you've brought a lump to my throat and a few tears with your beautiful heart felt posting for someone who was so obviously well worth calling a friend - life is really precious and none of should take it for granted... I love your photos of the snowdrops and irises - makes me want to go and buy some too... take care and do something nice for yourself this week - Miranda x

marmee said...

cheryl...these photos are so very lovely...it's got me thinking of spring.
i am so sorry that you lost a dear friend. it sounds like he impacted so many lives for good including yours. i know you will miss him.
i have always had a fondness for irises, that is my mother's first name. these are so beautiful and my favourite colour.
i hope we will all be experiencing some signs of spring soon.

Wendy said...

What a beautiful tribute to such a dear friend. Keith sounds like a wise and dedicated soul. A wonderful friend indeed.

Such lovely spring flowers to remember him. Thanks for sharing.

Andrea said...

Hi Cheryl, i am new here, and what a way to know someone! My Condolences for your friends passing. It is serendipitous that my nephew who was working in Spain had a stroke there, left young kids and wife here in the Philippines. His body just arrived this morning. That tribute post to your friend is wonderful.

BTW, i love you style of gardening, your flowers and photos. Thanks so much.

beckie said...

Cheryl, what a lovely idea to plant spring bulbs in memory of him. i know you will long treasure their beauty. Keith sounds like a truly kind soul whose found pleasure in doing for others. We need more of his kind in this world. I'm sure you felt privledged to know him. You both have my sympathy amd prayers for your loss. Take care, dear friends.

Dig, Grow, Compost, Blog said...

I'm sorry to hear about your friend. I think planting something in memory of a friend is a beautiful idea. Take care.

Rose said...

Cheryl, my deepest sympathy on your loss. He sounds like such a wonderful man, and this is a beautiful tribute to him. I know you will think of him often each time you see the blooms of these iris and snowdrops.

A wildlife gardener said...

I feel for you, dear Cheryl, with the loss of your friend...and it is a wonderful tribute you have given him :)

I left a comment, at the end of yesterday's post, about all the previous posts you have done since I last visited you ...a treat, as always, dear Friend :)

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

I'm very sorry for your loss, Cheryl. The wonderful bright bounty of spring bulbs is a great tribute to a man who embraced life!

o2bhiking said...

Cheryl - I am saddened by your loss. Please accept my condolences. Keith sounds like a great guy, and a positive person, and I bet he would love your special tribute for him. Best wishes to you. Art

Roses and Lilacs said...

Cheryl, I'm so sorry. He sounds like a wonderful friend. His life was much better for not dwelling on his own problems (which could not be cured) and instead, making life better for others.
Marnie

Autumn Belle said...

Hi, Cheryl,

This is my first visit to your blog. I think your flower and wildlife pictures are lovely.

I am very sorry to hear about your dear friend's passing. This post is a beautiful and touching tribute to him. My deepest condolence.

Gail said...

Dear Cheryl, What a remarkable and admirable friend. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing~~and know that you will find him again and again in your garden. he sounds like the kind of person who left many wonderful reminders...xxoo gail

NCmountainwoman said...

What a moving tribute to your friend who must have been an amazing person. The beautiful flowers will be a nice way to honor him.

Cheryl said...

Thank you all so much for your kind comments.....it is so good to share with you.

Keith will stay in our hearts forever but it is now time to focus on the family left behind.......

Anonymous said...

`Beautiful` photo`s Cheryl...
so sorry to hear your sad news of you dear friend...
My thoghts and prayers are with you all....
Beautiful flowers for a special friend.....xxx

LG said...

So sorry to hear about your friend...The flowers are a beautiful reminder of a wonderful friend...enjoy the beauty and the memories.,...

CIELO said...

Your pictures and gardens are lovely dear friend.... I'm still trying to learn how to make the blurry background on my pictures, but can't seem to learn... ;) Yours are amazing... Have a lovely day, Cheryl. May the sound of happy music and the lilt of laughter fill your heart with gladness...

Cielo