A TIME TO SOW

Though it may need years to take hold, the interest in gardening can be planted early

- GREG COPPA

IN RECENT YEARS I have become reflective about many things. That is a natural part of aging, perhaps initiated by watching members of younger generations as they grow and develop.

My six young granddaughters, whose interests and temperaments are already distinctive, provide me with much grist for reflection.

It's also natural to wish that some youthful family members, or any youngsters with whom you are acquainted, will enjoy what you have enjoyed, whether it be sailing, running, dancing, playing a musical instrument or...growing things. As we know, adults do influence the choices and future paths of young people, especially through their mentoring and example.

But if you live long enough you will realize that exposing children to a variety of avenues (generally a good strategy) does not always result in their interest. Nor should we have an expectation that it always will-or if it doesn't, that it never will. As they say, God sometimes has other plans.

When my four children were growing up, we had a 40-by-40-foot plot of vegetables and a few fruit trees. I encouraged the little ones to plant a bit of this and that, pick tomatoes and dig potatoes. I remember young Andy one glorious summer morning surveying a corn plant wet with morning dew and exclaiming, "Look, Daddy, it's gwown, it's really gwown!" That memory still makes the whole family smile.

On another day I perhaps overdid my plant quizzing a little bit with Charlie. At age nine he had a sensitivity that allowed him to perceive my ill-concealed disappointment over his lack of gardening interest. He looked up at me and said without any edge, "Dad, I'm sorry that I am not good at this, but it's all just green stuff to me." Wow! What a humbling lesson in parenting that was!