Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Tuesday's treasures

These chives are very special to me. Early in 2004, or it could have been late 2003, my Grandfather gave these chives to me. He carefully removed them from his own garden. He lovingly wrapped them in newspaper for me. He then put them in two plastic bags so they would not make a mess in my car. I remember it took him ages. I am ashamed to admit it, but that day I was impatient and just wanted to get home, I was not that bothered about the chives. But he insisted I take them. I still remember him getting them ready, his slow laboured movements. His shallow breathing, his lungs struggling with emphysema. How he wrapped them up ever so carefully, with love, for me.

At the time his health was failing. In the following months, it was sad and difficult to watch this fiercely independent man, so used to doing everything for himself, being bedridden and reliant on others for almost everything. In a few weeks it will be 6 years since he died. I still miss him and think of him often. I wish he could have met my children, they would have loved him.

Who would have thought a pot of chives could make me cry today. These chives are so special to me, so treasured, evoke such memories.

Grandpa, we love your chives. I have kept them alive and we love cooking with them. A few times they have died back, and I have been anxious I may have killed them, but they keep growing back.

I am so grateful you took the time that day to give them to me. I don't know what I will do with them when we move to Hong Kong. It will be strange to be separated from them. I guess these chives have become like an invisible link to my Grandpa, one of the last real links to him I have left to treasure - apart from the happy memories.

Here is a photo of me and Grandpa taken 7 years ago at my brothers wedding, where I was one of the bridesmaids (so long ago, I have short, red hair!)


Pop over and visit Clare hosting her last Tuesday's Treasures today.

Cat.

8 comments:

  1. I can understand that something so simple as your chives are a very special treasure and link to your grandfather. Thanks for sharing them with us. I hope you can find a nice "chives-sitter" while you are living in Hong Kong.

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  2. oh Cat! what a wonderful story.
    I hope you can keep them going but you know what, they will always be going strong in your heart because of that beautiful story.
    big hugs ♥

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  3. What a beautiful story Cat. You must find someone to take care of them for you! I wonder if you could divide some and take a little bunch with you to your new home?

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  4. How lovely that you have nurtured the plant all this time. Hope you find a worthy guardian when you have to leave them behind.

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  5. This is a lovely post and a beautiful story.

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  6. That is a beautiful post thanks so much for sharing this .

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  7. What a lovely post. Chives are a member of the onion family as well as a herb so you could let some of them go to seed, collect them and let them dry out. If something happens to the original plants while you are away you have your seeds of love to restart the plants again.

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Thank you for your comments. I always try to reply back to you and/or check out your blog, but some days this is not possible. Nice to meet you. Cat