Read by Michael Flamel

Dear Reader,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Peter Jackson, and at the ripe old age of 68, I find myself at a crossroads. You see, my dear wife Sarah has been gone for over a year now, leaving behind an emptiness that seems impossible to fill.

Once upon a time, I was a history teacher, weaving tales of the past for eager minds. But retirement came and with it, a void that teaching once filled. My sons Seth and John have grown into fine men, leading their own lives, leaving me both proud and adrift.

Yet, nestled in my neighborhood amidst friends and activities, I am reminded that life, despite its twists and turns, continues to move forward. And so, in the midst of this bustling life, I find solace in my gardens.

My wife used to say, “Soil and soul are connected in ways we understand but can never fully comprehend.” It is this wisdom that drives me now. Despite the comfort of routine, I feel a stirring within me, a restlessness that begs to be quelled. And so, I have made a decision.

I am renting my home for a year, bidding farewell to familiar soil, and embarking on a journey—a journey of self-discovery through gardening. Twelve months, twelve destinations, each with its own tale to tell, each holding a piece of the puzzle I seek.

So, dear reader, join me on this odyssey. Together, we shall traverse the globe, trowel in hand, in search of healing, in search of hope. For in the soil beneath our feet lies not only the promise of growth but the whispers of our souls.

With anticipation and gratitude,

Peter Jackson