Mom's little green thumb ...

As a child, I learned from Mom how things grow. At 84 years of age, she’s still an avid gardener indoors and out. Behind her apartment complex, she grows flowers, veggies and fruits in a 12 x 12 plot, tending it with loving care. In the photo above, you'll see one of her indoor projects -- a cheery little window box with a bright amaryllis in bloom and a small tomato plant thriving beside it. You can see Mom's hand holding the stalk of the amaryllis.

The American flags in her planter tell a story, too. Mom remembers the devastation of World War II and she is grateful for the freedom we still have here in America. To Mom, much of her freedom is wrapped up in having a place of her own and a garden to grow.

As a young child, I enjoyed helping Mom in her garden. There's a story about me pulling up plants instead of weeds, but I sure did have fun and thought I was doing it right. I suppose I thought having a green thumb meant pulling anything green! Squatting in the flower bed with a big grin, you can tell I enjoyed being with Mom outdoors.

If you've got a big garden, a simple plot of wildflowers or just a couple pepper plants, share your love of the outdoors with your children. Give them a spot to dig in the dirt and plant a few flower seeds. They will know the joy of watching tiny sprouts turn into sturdy blades and later, beautiful flowers. The gift of gardening was bestowed upon us in the beginning of time with Adam and Eve. Let's keep it going.