I cant help but feel a bit embarrassed every time I look out onto our garden; everyone elses is neat as a pin, and ours sticks out like a sore thumb. I suppose we wouldve tackled it by ourselves, but with my arthritis flaring up lately and Mums back giving her trouble again, its just not possible.
Dad showed up today, twisting his flat cap in his hands. Mark, lad, any chance you could lend your mum and me a hand with digging up the potatoes? Feels shameful, it doeseveryone else has already cleared their plots, and ours is just an eyesore. Wed do it ourselves, but my joints are stiff as a board, and your mother can barely stand up straight.
As I pulled on my boots, I grumbled, Why do you plant so many potatoes, anyway? Its not as though youre going hungry. Not today, DadIve got to head into town in a bit.
Dad looked like he wanted to snap back, but just sighed, waved me off, and stepped outside. In the yard, he grabbed the pitchfork and hobbled towards the garden.
Mum, bundled up in her thick woollen scarf, hurried along behind him. Well then, Nicholas, do you think the children will help?
He barked, Aye, as if! Come on, grab a bucket and lets get going. Raised five of them, but theyre always too busy to lend a hand. Move along, love. Lets see if we can get anything done before sundown.
Inside, my wife Emily was giving me an earful. Honestly, Mark, what are the lot of you made of? Always off doing your own thing, and never sparing a thought for your parents. Its a disgrace. If mine were still about, Id be there in a heartbeat. Her voice caught, and she dabbed at her eyes.
I put my arms around her. Youre rightyou are. We hardly live far, but we rarely see them. Heres whatwell sort it. Ill take a day off work, and you ring everyone else.
Emily picked up her mobile and scrolled through her contacts, determination written across her face.
Cant make it? Work? Weve all got jobs. Take a day off! Arent you the slightest bit ashamed? Theyre out there slogging away while you lot are glued to your sofas. Got the kids? Bring them along. A bit of fresh air will do them more good than another afternoon staring at a screen. Well see you all there.
With a mixture of gentle coaxing and the occasional threat, Emily managed to rally the troops.
Meanwhile, Grandpa Nicholas set down his pitchfork for a breather. Well, Annabel, looks like well still be digging when the frost arrives. Why do we put in so many spuds every year? Youre always What if the children dont have enough?’ Well, where are all these children now? They wont lift a finger. Remember the old days? All of us togetherby lunchtime wed have it all dug up. Those were the days…”
Annabel perked up, listening. Nicholas, I think someones arrived. Go and see!
Nicholas shuffled to the gate, and suddenly the garden was alive with noise and laughter. Annabel, rubbing her aching back, made her way outside to the commotion.
Goodness meso many of them! All the children, even the grandchildren had come. What a joy.
Well then, Dad, show us where you keep the spades, the forks, the buckets, Mark called, getting stuck right in.
Dad was close to tears but covered it with a brusque, Same place as always. Havent you learnt by now?
And so it began. Some dug, some gathered, others carried potatoes to the shed to dry. Annabel was ushered inside (Put your feet up, Mum!) while the daughters-in-law rolled up their sleeves to start on tea for the hungry workers. But Annabel couldnt quite sit stillalways checking, always directing.
On the garden, it was laughter and old tales.
Remember, Mark, when you hit me in the forehead with a potato when we were kids? laughed Samuel. Heres payback! He chucked a small potato back.
Granddad Nicholas pretended to scold, Stop your messing about. Old enough now to know better! Still, cant resist being children again
Finally, the job was donethe earth dug, the haulms piled, the potatoes laid out under the eaves. Time for tea.
Out came a big table in the yard, laden with food. The mood was light, filled with reminiscences of childhood summers.
Every so often, Annabel wiped a tear away. Such good children, she thought. Neighbours walked by and offered hellos, a few even complimented the scene. Someone spoke wistfully of how rarely their own came home.
Quietly, Emily asked me, What did you tell your boss?
With a smile, I put my arm around her. Told them plain and simplemy parents need help. Was given the day off on the spot. Said it was a noble thing, helping your folks.
We mustnt let life sweep us away so much that we forget our parents. Sometimes, pride or stubbornness holds them back from asking directly, but theyre always grateful for our company and our hands.
