Conversations in the Pumpkin Patch
The Autumn season has now begun and it offers an occasion to remember the past months of summer. A very special experience this year was the planting of pumpkin seeds, tending the plants as they grew and finally picking the ripened pumpkins from the vine. . As we harvested the pumpkins I reflected on the process; the journey that led to this moment. I recalled the many individuals who generously donated time to plant, weed, and mulch the pumpkins - evenings, mornings, weekends, after rainstorms, in the summer heat. I am especially touched by the conversations as we worked side by side. Our awareness of migrant farmers was heightened as we wondered what it must be like to tend to orchards, vineyards and farms day after day in oppressive conditions and for long hours. Stories were shared of family events - children’s plays, graduations from high school, summer camps, family vacations. We talked of faith and prayer and our different religious affiliations and experiences. Gardeners at heart, we often discussed plant varieties and garden techniques. These conversations led to a deeper appreciation of one another, the building of relationships, a sense of community. Our conversations were like the seeds that grew into vines and produced fruit.
