I'm back Rocky. I stepped away and flew over the pond, but really didn't go anywhere. I've always been right here with you. I planted a tree in your honor yesterday. It just seemed fitting that I do something in memory of you without a grave site to visit. You were here the entire summer when I started this project in 2006; you helped me cut ground. Its fitting you be here when I end my last major garden bed. That said, I planted a tree in your memory. Its a 9 yr old birch, still young but strong. I sprinkled some of your ashes with the soil for good luck. She will grow slow but steady, and forever be a symbol and remberance of your life. Someplace tangible I can reflect on. While planting your tree I couldn't help but remember how you loved to sit in the garden in the summer. You were my biggest fan. You would marvel at the yard and it transformation. Mom your gardens are like "Better Homes & Gardens" you would say. Every fall, on a day similiar to today, we would do autum clean up together. This was usually the time of year you came home and stayed until the spring of the following year. I would rake, and you would burn the leaves. Conversation was easy but wasn't necessary...we just hung out and did our own thing. You always liked the smell of burning leaves, me to. Even when you weren't feeling well, you would get out in the yard and do what you could. When you tired, you'd go in the house and make us dinner. Pork chops w/mashed potatoes was your specialty for sunday in the fall. I miss you...I miss all of you. I still can't wrap my head around the finality of your passing.