Memory Jar & Planting My Dad's Tree

My sweet father passed away late January of Alzheimer’s. He was known as a strong, gentle man and truly the best father five daughters could ask for. My dear father loved the outdoors, his girls and his garden.

A friend of my sister gave her a thoughtful gift at his passing that I’m now creating for our home. The questions not only revive his memory, but may help my kids know their Papa John.  

The jar holds various questions which stirs forgotten memories, like my dad’s rough hands from carpentry; how he’d dance with his fingers shaped like guns to Buddy Holly, Jimmy Dean and Jonny Cash; how us girls waited impatiently to dance with him even in his sweaty plaid shirt he wore for work.

Here is just a sample of the questions in the jar which may help you draw memories of past loved ones. 

• What is something you say that he used to always say? (for me, Half Assed! or Half Fast) 
• What items could you always find in his pockets? (Pocket knife and a white hankie)
• Describe a typical Sunday in your home.(warm and cozy)
• If you close you eyes and picture him in your childhood home, what is he doing? (sitting on the couch giving me (what I called) strokes-or cuddles)
• What was his middle name? From who was he named? (Royal, from his father)
• Where did he take your mom out on dates? (Hire's Big H)
• What was the best advice he ever gave you? (Always know who you are)
• What was his favorite drink? (Diet Coke)
• Where did he grow up? (Lewingston Idaho)
• Were his hands soft or rough? (rough and sratchy, he had thick fingers)
• What did he smell like? (Often like work, and the outdoors)
• Describe the outfit you most remember him wearing. (plaid shirt, Dickies pants, worn leather belt)

This weekend, we finally planted a tree in memory of my dad. Each daughter and my mother received a tree (6 girls total) to plant as a reminder of who John Stone was. 

When Brad is a little older, I plan to sit by our Cedar tree, in the glowing sunsets and pull questions to refresh memories of the grandfather he’ll never know. 

He truly was a Boy Scout through and through and left this earth better than he found it.

Love you dad!

BACK TO GARDENING.....

To plant a tree you want to dig a hole twice as wide of the root ball and the depth of the root ball (not deeper). For balled/burlapped trees, remove or loosen the burlap around the tree remove as much as possible.

When the tree is place and standing straight, fill the hole making sure there is good contact between the root ball and the soil.(Stomp lose soil towards the root ball.) Water the tree thoroughly by letting the hose run on low for about 30 minutes. 

Continue to do deep, slow soaks with the tree for about a month.