Back lane garden - 8 April 2026

 

Jericho Beach 8 April 2026

Dear Rosemary,

Because you stare at me from your framed portrait that I see when I am on the bed with Niño and Niña, your presence in our Kits home is there even if you are not indenting your side of our bed.

I have good news. Today is Wednesday April 8 and I believe spring is here. Why? I watered the garden! Best of all I cleaned up our lane garden and cut the grass close to the bed with scissors as you always did.

You are constantly in my thoughts. Like you, I also think we will never meet again. Our cats are a constant reminder that we went to adopt them at the SPCA and that you petted them.

I have not changed our morning routine of going down to feed them; preparing my breakfast and bringing it up in the Filipino wicker tray. I read the NY Times and the slim Vancouver Sun and only wish we could compare notes.

The rest of the day I am in a sort of existential angst. Because of your intelligent handling of funds I don’t have to worry about money. I am having a hard time finding stuff to do. An important but pleasant task is to write my daily blog. You are always there over my shoulder.

When I pass by this lovely tree in Jericho Beach I am most thankful all you gently taught me about gardening and being able to notice the details. Those views on my way in my bike cement my appreciation for your decision that we move from Mexico City to Vancouver in 1975. You were always right. 

I am reading the Ukraine-born Brazilian author Clarice Lispector and I only wish I could compare notes on her with you. You would like her. She writes that the shortest word is “is”. You are that in my mind and will always be until both of us are not.

Alex