Victory Gardens

At age 91, Dad is building “Victory Gardens” at his home. He told me during our video call last week. Mom, sharp as a tack at 88, beamed with joy as he explained.

During and after World Wars I & II, the governments of the United States and the Commonwealth Countries encouraged the cultivation of private victory guards to supplement limited food rations and boost morale. Mom and Dad lived through World War II, and both remember the optimism that sprang from their victory gardens — a positive impact on mental health during and after a crisis. The isolated existence of the past year having taken its toll mentally and emotionally, now is the right time to bounce back, they said. So, they’re growing fruits and vegetables and flowers from seeds in a few small victory gardens.

And, in doing so, they have inspired me, too.