Moving forward with a listening heart,
vision, inquiry, and action,
~ Mary
Setting: Mary is gardening (weeding, trimming, witnessing what’s growing, etc.) in the front gardens, just feet away from the street, route 97 (Haverhill Road). Miss Honey, her 4-year-old yellow lab is with her, staying close, off-leash. A sparkling white SUV drives into the driveway. Miss Honey chases it, barking and wagging her tail. Mary walks towards the vehicle. An athletic woman appearing to be in her 30’s rolls down the window, opens the door, and resting her left foot on the foot-rest, asks…
Visitor 1: Is this Pye Brook Park?
Mary 1: (smiles) No, this is our home. Pye Brook Park, where kids play games, is up the road just a bit. (points to the south)
Visitor 2: Okay – when I saw the dog I thought I might be at someone’s home. (smiles)
Mary 2: (smiles, feels the need to clarify/educate) We are developing our gardens for families affected by Alzheimer’s/Dementia. (not sure if she knows about this, continues with education) Right now, about 1 in 3 American families is living with a dementia. Please share what we’re doing with anyone you know who might benefit. (raises eyebrows, opens eyes wide as if to say – you know what I’m talking about?!)
Visitor 3: (eyes open wide) I think my mother is starting to show signs…
Mary 3: (with empathy, garden-gloved hands emphasize…) I’m the gardener… with my husband, Karl — we are the gardeners and the owners-activists. We experienced dementia in our family – it was long and hard – this is our response — to create a respite location for other families. We host a once-a-month Memory Café here – its a time when our neighbors dealing with dementia at home can gather in one place without judgement and enjoy each other’s company. The schedule is on our information kiosk near the street. Our next Memory Café is April 17.
Visitor 4: Do you have a website?
Mary 4: Yes, Rest…….. Stop……….Ranch dot com
Visitor 5: Okay – thanks! Maybe this wasn’t a wrong turn after all… (smiles)
Mary 5: (smiles) What is your name?
Visitor 6: Jen (extends her hand and Mary shakes it)
Mary 6: Nice to meet you, Jen! Take care!
Note: “Jen” is a pseudonym