Read by Michael Flamel

As I sit on my back deck, in the comfort of my favorite chair, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of home, I can’t help but marvel at the journey I’ve been on during the past year. It seems like just yesterday I was setting out on my adventure, seeking solace and understanding in the soil of distant lands. And now, as I reflect on the lessons learned and the memories made, I realize just how much I’ve grown.

Gardening has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s been a lifeline, a source of comfort and connection in times of joy and sorrow. But it wasn’t until I embarked on this journey of self-discovery that I truly understood the profound impact that cultivating the earth can have on the soul.

From the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest to the serene landscapes of the Swiss Alps, each destination offered its own unique lessons and revelations. In Seattle, I found community and connection among urban gardeners who shared my passion for nurturing life from the soil. In Tuscany, I learned to embrace the simple pleasures of life, savoring each moment and finding beauty in the everyday.

But it was in Bali, amidst the vibrant colors and spiritual traditions of the island, that I truly found healing. There, surrounded by the harmony of nature and the warmth of the Balinese people, I discovered a sense of peace and wholeness that I had been searching for all along.

And now, as I sit here in my own backyard, surrounded by the love of friends and family, I realize that the true journey was never about the destinations themselves, but about the lessons learned along the way. It was about embracing change and growth, about finding beauty in the unexpected, and about connecting with the world around me in a deeper, more meaningful way.

As I look out over my garden, I am filled with gratitude for the healing power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. And though the journey may have come to an end, I know that the lessons I’ve learned and the memories I’ve made will stay with me always, guiding me on the path ahead with hope and resilience. I have made peace with the loss of my beloved Sarah, knowing she will be in my heart forever and her spirit will always guide me as I move forward on the path of life.

For in the end, it is not the destination that matters, but the journey itself—and the lessons learned along the way—that truly shape who we are. And as I look back on my own journey, I am filled with a sense of peace and gratitude, knowing that I am exactly where I am meant to be.