I love fresh tomatoes. When we lived in Logan we had a very small garden that we filled full of tomato plants. We no longer have a garden, but we do have a porch and this summer we decided to buy some planters and see if we could manage to get a few fresh tomatoes.
One day in June, we went to Lowe’s and bought the biggest planter we could find, some potting soil, and a small, perfect tomato plant. All in all it cost about $20, but we figured it was worth it for fresh tomatoes. There was already a small green tomato growing on the plant and we envisioned all the wonderful things we would be able to enjoy in a couple of months.
A couple of months later found us adjusting to a new job, raising a 3 year old, and coping with a sick baby and all of the appointments that came with her. The tomato plant was mostly forgotten. Sometimes Kinsey would dump a whole bucket of water on it, but that was about all. We also discovered that our porch gets hardy any direct sunlight. The plant was struggling and looked on the verge of death for weeks.
One day I glanced outside and noticed that the plant had fallen over. I went outside and found one, single tomato lying beside the dead plant. It was small, but perfectly round and bright red. Kinsey and I took it inside and I saved it, waiting for just the right moment to enjoy our small tomato. During our next Sunday dinner with my brother, we cut the tomato into four equal pieces. We all ate at the same time, savoring the only home grown tomato we would have all summer. It was wonderful. And definitely worth $20.
One day in June, we went to Lowe’s and bought the biggest planter we could find, some potting soil, and a small, perfect tomato plant. All in all it cost about $20, but we figured it was worth it for fresh tomatoes. There was already a small green tomato growing on the plant and we envisioned all the wonderful things we would be able to enjoy in a couple of months.
A couple of months later found us adjusting to a new job, raising a 3 year old, and coping with a sick baby and all of the appointments that came with her. The tomato plant was mostly forgotten. Sometimes Kinsey would dump a whole bucket of water on it, but that was about all. We also discovered that our porch gets hardy any direct sunlight. The plant was struggling and looked on the verge of death for weeks.
One day I glanced outside and noticed that the plant had fallen over. I went outside and found one, single tomato lying beside the dead plant. It was small, but perfectly round and bright red. Kinsey and I took it inside and I saved it, waiting for just the right moment to enjoy our small tomato. During our next Sunday dinner with my brother, we cut the tomato into four equal pieces. We all ate at the same time, savoring the only home grown tomato we would have all summer. It was wonderful. And definitely worth $20.
This past year has been hard on all of us. Grad school, a complicated pregnancy, moving, finding a job, CMV. There were many days during my pregnancy where I felt just like our little tomato plant; tired, overworked, and desperate for a some (spiritual) nourishment. But in the end, we were blessed with our little Kaitlyn. She has fought so hard and is such a bright spot in our lives. This past year has been difficult, and yet it has been wonderful. It has been worth it.
Hand modeling courtesy of T. Stock
2 comments:
Great comparison! I'm glad that you got at least that one little tomato, and that every last bite was cherished. Home grown tomatoes one of the best parts of summer! :)
I wish we could have shared our home grown tomatoes with you. Dad grew lots and lots of tomatoes this year, and he made wonderful salsa with them - hot and spicy and yummy salsa! Now we are back to dealing with grocery store tomatoes until next July rolls around.
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