big summer 2010: the wall

Dearest E:

Here is the story of the wall you built.  Looking through these photos, I am reminded again of the herculean effort you undertook to create a backyard for your family.  Every time I feel the grass between my toes, or look through the gate, I take a deep breath and enjoy the overwhelming feeling of pride in your work. 

 

And, indeed, it was a lot of work.  Each block weighed seventy-five pounds.  Not to mention the numerous loads of dirt and gravel (let's not mention the gravel!) shoveled, hauled, and shoveled again.

 

Fortunately, you had excellent - and cheerful - help from my parents, our good neighbors, your brother, your son.

 

I watched in satisfaction as the wall grew.  Beautifully strong and level, a lovely curve that follows the natural contours of our property, this wall is magnificently secure.  Such integrity is impressive, but it doesn't surprise me that your work is so well executed. 

 

At last: grass!  And a sprinkler system!  The boys and I returned home from a weekend in the valley and we walked through the gate to this marvelous green sight.  M's exclamation perfectly summed up all our feelings, This is awesome! 

Yes, our list continues to grow - like our grass, our garden, our children.  But let's take comfort in the never-ending series of tasks before us.  We are doers; we are builders.  Our life is a constant work in progress and we will never see the end of projects.  Each completed challenge adds comfort and beauty to our lives. 

Still, we must remember to celebrate and enjoy our work - both while we're in it and when it's complete.  I want to lay in the grass and count the stars in the evening.  I want to run through the sprinklers.  

 
 

Let me say it again: thank you for our beautiful wall. 

All my love,

Shoogs

 

Comments

[Erick Ward]

Dearest: Your praise means more to me than anything else. You are so very welcome! And, as usual, you are so right about taking time to enjoy our hard work. Love, E.

[Megan]

holy crap eward! that's an incredible accomplishment!! well done. can't wait to check out your digs - hopefully sometime next year. :)
miss you both!!