03/29/2026
My father’s favorite pastime was working in his garden. He grew vegetables—peppers, tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, and more—and he also grew the most fragrant roses in the neighborhood. When he left us, he went out breathing the scent of one of those roses.
We’ve been left with a gift that keeps giving. When I cut a rose and bring it to my office, everyone stops to take in its fragrance.
He was also proud of his honey bees. They move through the neighborhood, pollinating the flowers and gardens of Oak Grove. Now, without their keeper, they continue their work. I hope to find someone to tend to them so they can keep spreading life through Monterey.
Sometimes it feels like he’s still there.
Bees drawn to the scent
A fragrance fills the garden
His honey awaits
