This morning, I sipped my coffee out on my patio. I was feeling a bit blue due to the never-ending cycle of the moon (aka - my monthly PMS bummer-day.)

As my mind wandered, I spied a robin alight on the edge of the pond, even though I was sitting only a few feet away. He cocked his head and winked! I smiled. And he proceeded to enjoy a splash in the watery wonderland that is my tiny marsh.

Whenever I am feeling down, I go to my garden. I always find a new bloom on a perrenial, hear an unfamiliar songbird, or take in the soothing splash of water in the pond.

I was so pleased to find that, yet again, my garden didn't let me down in my time of need.

As I finished my coffee, I ambled back into the house and began to check my email. I was shocked to read a notice from my parish prayer list that stated that Ed, a funny, smart and vital man in my bible study class, died suddenly in his garden yesterday.

Ed was also the father of a guy in my parish council, Tim,  who is equally talented and charismatic.

As I got ready to make my communion visits to the homebound, I thought sadly about the loss of Ed in our group discussions - and of his poor wife, also in the class,  who must be utterly devastated.

As I walked into Church to get some host, there were Tim and his mother, clearly distraught, on their way to make funeral arrangements.

I called out to him and offered, "Oh, Tim, I am so sorry to hear..." He gave me a hug and through his tears noted, "God was looking out for dad - he died doing what he loved in a place he loved."

I then shared with Tim the story of the brave robin cheering me up today...and from now on, whenever my green thumb needs some inspiration, I will be praying to the new patron saint of my backyard: Ed The Gardener.