Fern

If you haven't already, it's time to move your plants indoors to save them from winter kill. Here's a story from Diana Parson, who lives with her husband Perry in Ottumwa. Their son recently died.

by Diana Parson

Oct. 25 was the 78th wedding anniversary for my parents. They were married in Mom's parent's farm house and the decor was a fern from my father's parents … who lived on a farm just up the road. After the wedding, Grandma wanted Fern to come back home, so for many years, Fern lived with them. When Grandma and Grandpa could no longer care for Fern, she went to live with my parents … in the very same home where they were married. Full circle.

But the story doesn't stop there. Fern continued thriving and gave the family more little Ferns. When my parents could no longer care for her, Fern came to live with me. She lived in our sunroom during the winter and spent her springs/summers/autumns outside under a maple tree. She, like many of us who grow old, put on weight. She was huge … her fronds stretched out from side to side were over 8 feet wide. She was so heavy that it took a super strong wind to topple her, and that happened twice. We had to help Fern off the ground. Every so often I had to give her a "haircut" just to keep her manageable.

The time came when we, like my parents and grandparents, could no longer carry Fern. A young friend sometimes came to help with Fern. Our son would come and haul her from inside to outside, but he died recently.

It was time. Last week, my granddaughter adopted Fern. And so Fern moved again. My granddaughter has a spectacular green thumb, so we know Fern will be well cared for. After she left, Perry went to the sunroom and looked at the wooden marble topped table where Fern had lived. He said, "I miss her.” So on this day, we say Happy Anniversary to my parents who started something wonderful 78 years ago. I'm not sure what we say to Fern; maybe “Thanks for the memories.”

Note: Diana Parson has written three books, “Right Here, Right Now, Memories” “Right Here, Right Now, Musings” “Right Here, Right Now, Meanderings” and is working on her fourth. Her books are available on Amazon under the name Diana Newquist Parson.

Have a good story? Call or text Curt Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526 or email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com. Curt is available for public speaking