The maintenance gardener is feeling sad. He was hoping the spurt of energy would last through the summer mowing season. That is not what happened.
I was in the hospital for two nights and three days last week because the drain catheter in my right lung got infected. Another CT scan showed the cancer had grown right back. Instead of any improvement, I have gone back to sleeping most of the day. The garden grows fuzzier by the day.
The garden is also doing a spectacular bloom which makes the garden designer who has been nudging a meadow in this direction for the last decade quite happy.
It's like my garden knows. Even the strong thunderstorms the last few days have only bent the tall flower meadow. It has not broken. The flowering meadow will fluff again on the next dry wind.
I have a consult with a radiation oncologist tomorrow. Just to see if I can breathe a little better. But the time for hospice is here. Then I can get back into the garden.
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23 comments:
I don't know what to say. I've learned a lot from you. Thank you for this blog, thank you for sharing your vulnerability. I'm so very sorry. Sending prayers that you'll find comfort in Hospice and that your breathing will be eased. <3
Not the update I wanted to hear. I've enjoyed your blog for years. So,so sorry the news was not better. You have truly created a paradise on your property without obliterating the true nature of your land. Best wishes to you for the future.
Your garden is an inspiration and I hope it gives you comfort.
Well crap - sorry the news is not better - at least today. Hopefully the consultation will give you a little more time and you will mimic the resilience of your garden. Keeping you in my thoughts, Christopher.
Your previous commenters have done a better job expressing my feelings than I might have found the words to do. I was not prepared for this outcome of your treatment. I too have enjoyed your blog. Watching your home and property grow and thrive over these many years has been an inspiration, as was the work you did on commercial properties. The photos you shared of all the plants and Objets d'Art were welcome respites I enjoyed during many stressful times. Like Tracy said, I hope you can be comfortable and happy in your garden. Please know I support you and hope you enjoy many many more good days there.
Wishing for you that your lovely garden grants you peace.
Dearest dear friend,
Words are inadequate to let you know how much you and your garden have enriched so many of us. May the garden give you smiles. Love you.
Frances
Christopher;
I think your garden does "know" - it looks spectacular. Your vision is fulfilled, and it is remarkably self-sustaining. Enjoy your time just soaking up the garden now; I have never known a hospice that did not provide caring and competent support. I second the others in my appreciation for your blog all these years, I first found you in Hawaii.
bev
Christopher,
I am so sorry to hear this. It has been a while since I have checked in…blogging has changed as have many of us over the years. I hope you can enjoy the beauty of your garden without pain and with satisfaction. It has been such fun watching your garden grow. Layanee, Ri
Christopher, your garden meadow is gorgeous. I so agree with what Frances said, your writing and garden have enriched us all. Hug, Gail
Peace.
Hi Christopher,
I'm sorry to hear the news that you've been battling this illness. I remember your beautiful garden and charming home from the Ashville Fling. I know it brings you great peace and joy. I'm sending you all my best wishes.
Robin
I have in the past, checked your blog regularly and only recently re-found it. I especially enjoyed when you talked about plants that came home with you from job sites. Thank you for sharing so much. It has been a pleasure to learn about your garden. I hope memories of the pleasures of your garden flood your mind and contentment and ease find you.
Christopher,
It has been a very long time since I came to read about you and your life in Outside Clyde. I am so saddened to hear this news! I pray you find peace and comfort in the beautiful oasis you have created, and that the Doctors are able to help ease your pain and give you more time. God bless you!
Siria
Christopher,
May you rest in the Peaceful Gardens of Heaven. We will miss you.
Patrick & Pam 9-21-23
It is with great sadness that I report that my bother Chris has died. You brought happiness and fellowship to his life over a very long period of time. And I thank you for this. Robin Carrie.
I am so sorry to hear this, Robin. We were honored to share in Christopher's life and garden. Please let us know if there is somewhere we can contribute to keep his vision going.
Bev rogers
Thank you so much, Robin, for sharing this news I didn't want to read. I send you and all of Christopher's family, blood and non-blood, my deepest condolences. I think Christopher will live on in hearts and minds for a very long time.
Thank you for letting us know. I'm so very sorry. We all will miss him, as I know you will. He was a cool guy, a true inspiration for me, and I wish I'd been able to meet him in person and stroll through his gardens with him. Sending you and the family and friends prayers for peace and comfort.
I found Christopher's lovely obituary. You may have to copy this into your browser. https://www.wellsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/robert-christopher-carrie
Thank you, Barbara!
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear Christopher has left us. I loved how he tended his garden and cared for the animals in his life through the years. He will be surely missed. Sending gentle hugs to all his family.
Hello friends of Christopher. My family is planning a small Celebration of Life with ash spreading on Sunday, April 21 at 2 PM in his beautiful garden. All are welcome. Chris's wishes were to have a celebration and offer everyone a trinket from his cozy cabin if they so desire. Please let me know if you can join us. For more details, call or email.
Chris's sister Cathy
386-295-6958
catking11@aol.com
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