In the morning I make the rounds in the garden, make an offering of seeds to the birds and squirrels, and throw a handful of cornmeal to “feed the thousands.” The tomato plant was heavy with green ones and one peachy orange. I harvested 8 to make way for more to grow. There were two well-grown cucumbers that seemed to appear overnight, a jalepano pepper, and another variety I hadn’t seen were setting on. I enjoy the morning watering when the flowers sing, putting off their sweet aroma at the offering.
There was more than I could use before they would spoil. I knew I could share with my neighbors from Guatemala. For some reason I resisted the thought. The last time I shared a memorial offering after their dog, Gucci died, their sacred exchange was an offering to mow my yard for the rest of the Summer. I realized the hesitation was the thought of what they may feel obligated to give back.
Does anyone else hesitate to give? Sometimes it feels embarrassing. That can only be the ego. I had gathered an offering to leave on their front porch. I pushed past the feeling that didn’t make any sense and carried out what could only be a good thing.
