Feeling the Sunshine, Spring 2020
An EHS Student Special Feature Publication
Sanctuary of Hope by Scott Cushman
Let me tell you about a person that has “Sunshine” every day. She’s a person that
inspires me daily to keep going. Every day she wakes, has her routine outlined and planned. She
sets her tasks in order of importance. She makes sure everything is completed or tries too. If it
cannot be completed today, it must be done by tomorrow. But she is always thankful for today
and those around her. She tends to her garden and everything that enters. I asked her why one
day. She’s my mother, and she said this to me.
I tend to my garden daily in hopes it will continue to provide as place for reflection,
appreciation, and to just see life grow. They give me hope. Hope that I would continue to be a
survivor as others see me. I don’t find myself pretty or beautiful. I am worn, tired, and old. So
many times, I wanted to stay away from those that are mean, negative, and self-centered. I
wanted a retreat that I could care for without opinions, without worry, and be safe.
I have weeds in my garden. I have flowers I don’t even know what they are. They just
appeared one day. I have my favorites: the Lilly’s, the milkweed, and the butterfly bush. I have
animals and birds. My garden is thriving. I honestly don’t know how. I thought of weeding my
garden. Then decided against it.
Everything in my garden has provided me with the ability to see myself differently. There
are living things in my garden, I had no idea survived or could survive. It has given me strength.
Not physical strength but emotional strength. The way of life is a circle. Constantly changing.
But spring is here, and change happens whether we like it or not. But no matter what is going
on in my life or in this world of my garden it always feels the sunshine. Right now, you can feel
the strength, the warm, and the good vibes. This garden is not perfect, but it is living. It is
surviving. This is what counts. I take care of this so that in hopes the next person will see what I
have done and continue. Continue in ways of not only caring for the garden but to stop and
reflect. To look around and say I belong here too. Even if just in this one spot for a brief moment.
Anyone or anything can say: “I too, survived. And the sunshine feels good.”
I don’t know anything about gardening, but I know a lot
about “hope”. I look for new improved ways to be better to myself.
My weeds are mine, they survived. I am learning to see the world
through peace and happiness. There are ups and downs, mountains
and hills to overcome. This at times is physically demanding on us.
Makes us weak and emotionally drained. Everything continues. Life
continues. I hope my garden continues. I hope you follow your
dreams. I hope I have survived to help you grow. I hope you find
your garden and you have that feel good feeling.