The Hallman Garden

Two people I admire and find them to be interesting and fun-loving live in California. Mentally sharp they do a lot of reading and lead an active life. It surprises me to see him driving the California freeways. They are in their eighties and the bottom line is that they love life.
 

Whenever I visit, I find myself in the middle of interesting discussions and what I have noticed is that they are knowledgeable about current affairs, latest books, art, movies, and gardening. Their patio is full of green plants and flowers and they know each and every name of the many flowers, shrubs, trees in their garden. This year I saw two avocados in the limbs of the avocado tree. Their latest addition to their patio is a Gardenia plant which I gave them for Christmas. He immediately placed the plant in a decorative planter!

They live life to the fullest and whenever I visit they are either traveling or attending some special function. In their home I have seen some of the art work she has created and it is beautiful! With the help of their grandchildren (and children) they are entering into the world of Skyping and Facebook.

They have been married for 60 years and are blessed with five children, ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.  I like that the family gets together for birthdays, holidays and special occasions.  A few years ago I wrote this poem for them because I was so impressed with the interactions they have with their children and grandchildren. To me, their family reminded me of a beautiful garden.

The Hallman Garden

To see the garden

it seems as if the

greenery sprouts up

unattended and miraculous

to spread color around.

In the patio, 

flowers and plants just

seem to grow quietly

into blooms,

lush greens,

tantalizing colors,

tall and straight

and full of energy

and love.

A lot of work,

and many prayers

went into cultivating

each plant

with careful thinning,

serious checking,

lots of pruning, discipline,

hours of talking

and hours of planning.

A parental watch

over each growing plant.

A guiding light,

harmony and cheer

meshed to create the

display of color.

Sun and water sprinkled carefully

helped each seedling  grow

straight,

strong,

independent,

each with its own beauty.

The garden is wonderful

but lots of hard work went

into planning, raising,

caring for those tender roots.

They knew, if roots

are strong,

the plant will burst

into beautiful blooms

making a colorful display

in different rooms of

their heart.

The garden does not

show what troubles may

have happened

in the past,

what weeds needed 

to be yanked out

what hardships occurred

because the patio shines 

brightly in colors galore.

Each flower and plant with

its own personality

each bringing joy

in its own special way.

Those unique blossoms

drop their seed into 

fertile ground

creating new faces

filling new vases,

another generation of color and love.

What a pleasant place to be

among the lush greenery

united in love,

together,
 in the Hallman's beautiful garden.

E. Moscoso

July 6, 1999