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My mother in law and Charlie used to work in her garden all the time before Pa got sick and David and I would help when we could. Then we started our own flower garden David and Charlie help me with. I want to get something for the Garden to remind David and Charlie of grandpa. While I was trying to figure out what to get I decided I wanted to create a memorial garden for Granny Sherry under her living room window where David would sit.

Having the memorial garden will help keep David Sr. close because when we lose someone we love, we often search for ways to keep their memory close. Sometimes it is through photographs. Sometimes it is through the stories we tell. Sometimes it is through the things they leave behind. And sometimes, it is through creating something new that allows their memory to continue growing.

For our family, that means creating a memorial garden. After losing David’s dad, I knew I wanted to create a special place where his memory could continue to live. A place at my mother-in-law’s home and a place here with us where David and Charlie can sit, reflect, and feel connected to David’s dad and Charlie’s grandpa because I already have things to remind me of Suzzie in my garden.

I wanted to remind you a memorial garden is more than flowers and decorations. It is a place created with love, memories, and intention. It becomes a place to pray. A place to talk. A place to remember. A place where future generations can learn about the person who helped shape their family story.

One of the first things I thought about adding was a flag to honor David’s dad. A flag represents so many things — love of country, pride, sacrifice, and respect and his time in the Military will be honored. It is a simple but powerful reminder of the life someone lived and the values they passed down.

My mother-in-law also purchased a beautiful solar eagle to add to the garden. The eagle is meaningful because it represents strength, freedom, courage, and watching over the people we love. Having a solar piece also allows the garden to have a gentle glow in the evening, reminding us that even in the darkness, memories continue to shine.

Because we live in Texas, we also have to think practically when choosing plants. With our hot summers and temperatures often reaching 100 degrees, we need drought-friendly plants that can handle the heat while still bringing beauty to the space. As well as Rose Bushes that will bloom year after year.

Some plants we are considering include:

• Lavender, which represents calm, peace, and remembrance
• Lantana, which is known for handling Texas heat
• Salvia, which brings color and attracts butterflies
• Succulents, which are low-maintenance and symbolic of strength and resilience
• Native Texas plants that can thrive in our climate
• Citronella to help with bugs

The goal is not to create a perfect garden. The goal is to create a meaningful garden that can be cared for and enjoyed for years to come. Ive also thought about adding wind chimes with a 18 wheeler on it because there is something peaceful about hearing the gentle sound of wind chimes moving in the breeze. For many people, they become a reminder to slow down, sit quietly, and reflect.

A special wind chime can become a symbol of connection — a little sound that brings comfort and reminds us of the person we are honoring. Another idea Ive thought about is adding something that represents who David’s dad was. He was a big rig truck driver, and finding a special piece that reflects that part of his life would make the garden even more personal.

Maybe a Peterbilt truck decoration. Maybe a small truck-themed garden piece. Maybe something that reminds us of the miles he traveled and the stories he brought home. Or the hot wheel cars Charlie and he played with because those personal touches are what make a memorial garden special.

I also want David and Charlie each to choose something meaningful to add to the garden. Maybe a plant. Maybe a wind chime. Maybe a decoration that reminds them of Grandpa. Because grief is personal, and everyone remembers someone in their own way. For Charlie, having something that connects him to his grandpa helps him continue carrying those memories forward.

For David, having a place that honors his dad gives him somewhere to reflect on the relationship they shared. For our family, this garden will be a reminder that love does not disappear when someone leaves this earth. It grows. It changes. It becomes part of the story we continue telling and that is why I invited David’s daughter Leslie and her son Elijah to help us with the garden.

Grief does not have a schedule. Some days bring tears. Some days bring laughter. Some days bring a memory that makes us smile. All of those moments are part of loving someone deeply. One thing I wanted to point out is a memorial garden does not have to be large or expensive. It can be a small corner of a yard, a few special plants in containers, or a place created with simple items that hold meaning.

The most important part is not what is placed there. It is the love behind it. Because the people we love leave pieces of themselves with us. Their kindness, their lessons, their laughter, and their memories become part of who we are. And as we care for this garden, we will be reminded that even after loss, there can still be beauty. There can still be growth.

There can still be hope. Creating a memorial garden does not have to be complicated or expensive. It can begin with a small space, a few meaningful items, and the love behind why you are creating it. Start by choosing a location that feels peaceful and practical. Think about sunlight, water access, and how much maintenance the space will need.

Since we live in Texas, choosing drought-friendly plants that can handle the heat is especially important. Some things you may want to have on hand are quality garden soil, gardening tools, gardening gloves, mulch, plants, solar lights, flags, wind chimes, or special decorations that represent the person you are remembering.

The most meaningful part is choosing items that tell their story. For us, that may include a flag, a solar eagle, a wind chime, and something that represents David’s dad’s years as a big rig truck driver. We also want David and Charlie to each choose something special for the garden — a plant, a decoration, or another meaningful piece — because everyone grieves and remembers in their own way.

The circle remains unbroken.

Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates