Photo and Essay By Peggy River Singer
When I moved into my new apartment in 2014, I was excited to have a small patio and garden space. I’d always wanted to grow Sweet Pea vines, a vintage classic that would remind me of happy summer days at the lake. And the lovely blooms would please my neighbors and attract hummingbirds. What could be more perfect?
The new baby plants I brought home adjusted quickly, and I crossed my fingers and hoped they would be able to survive the heat and harsh sunlight of summer.
Then came the day when I got home from work and found just a few shreds of mangled stems and leaves. One of the groundskeepers had managed to find the only healthy green plant in sight on that early spring day, and he decided it must be a weed. (Even though it was inside my patio fence at the base of a trellis for the vines to climb on!)
I complained to the rental office manager and showed her the sad, wilted evidence of atrocity (or at least cruelty to plants). The rental office called the crew chief, who sent Austin (a college student) to apologize to me in person. The poor guy was honestly distressed at MY distress. He confessed he didn’t know anything about plants and was just trying to pay the rent. I told him I understood and reassured him I was more unhappy with his crew chief than with him, because he clearly hadn’t been given enough useful training for his job.
I went out and bought more Sweet Pea seedlings, as well as an enthusiastic-looking Lavender plant for my front door. A few days later I was working at my kitchen table, noticed movement outside and was horrified to see Austin checking out my new Lavender plant in its handsome new pot with a doubtful expression on his face and a weed whacker in his hands! After our memorable first meeting, I could imagine what must be going through his mind…
“To chop, or not to chop, that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler to ask that lady first, or to just
chop the damn thing down before the boss yells at me, and try to keep going until lunch break…”
Austin and I had another friendly conversation – under the circumstances, I’m quite proud of that -- and after that he left my garden alone. I hope he didn’t get in trouble with his supervisor.
Meanwhile, the descendants of the replacement Sweet Peas keep reseeding every year. This will be our twelfth season together, and the first green sprouts are already visible on this early March day. In addition to surviving Austin, these tough comeback heroes have survived 100-degree summers and below-zero winters. One year the vines grew so exuberantly that they overshaded their own roots so that most of the vines died. But once again, there was fresh new growth the next spring.
Now, here’s the parable: Be like those Sweet Pea vines; grow and flourish and rejoice in who you are. When things go wrong and fate knocks you on your butt, call on your inner strength and keep coming back. Share your personal Light and beauty freely, without expecting praise or thanks.
If you encounter an “Austin,” remember they might be completely innocent, with no idea why you’re upset with them; and do your best to be kind. And one more thing: don’t be surprised if you find hummingbirds coming into your life: they will recognize your Inner Sweet Pea Energy and visit to encourage you!
Peggy River Singer is an all-beings communicator, faerie ally, Pleiadian Starseed, Lightworker, and lifelong writer. More of her articles and channelings are posted on angelsfairiesandlife.wordpress.com. To request a communication session, please call 734-548-0194.
