Now that I am fully vaccinated, I have started back to volunteering at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. I do a couple different things there. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings I do maintenance in the Gardener’s Showhouse. That really means I am the cleaning lady. I sweep, clean up dropped blossoms, prune dead leaves from plants, and this morning I started feeding and watering the African Violets.
It may not sound that exciting, but I love it! The first thing I do when I get there is walk through the Showhouse to see what has changed and what needs my attention. There is always something new blooming or some new arrangement that the horticulturist has added. I can’t think of a more beautiful work environment.
What really occurred to me this morning, is how much stronger and healthier I am feeling now that I am back to working outside of my home. Having a purpose is so important to both my mental and physical health.
I know that I have been blessed during this pandemic. I have stayed healthy. I have a comfortable home. I have food and clothing. I was grateful that I didn’t have to put myself in a dangerous situation by possibly exposing myself to Covid. The isolation, however, was very hard. On March 13, 2020, I left school for spring break. Because of the pandemic, I never went back, other than to pack up my things. After 30 years of teaching and being part of the Phillips Community, everything was changed. At the same time that I was thankful that I was not under the pressure my friends were, I felt lost. It affirmed for me how important it is to have a purpose in life.
I am so grateful to have that back through my work at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden and the Enabling Garden in Altoona. Having a purpose means that I am helping others, but I am the one who is really rewarded by being able to contribute to these beautiful places.
