I live east of the University and love to walk in the Mills Rose garden. It reminds me of a smaller, circular rose garden my mother once had. On my way to work I always drive down Ostrom Avenue to enjoy the park and to check on the garden throughout the seasons.

Some years ago I started noticing a small group of women and men on Wednesday mornings, bending over the rose bushes, trimming, weeding and watering. The image evoked a gentle, almost spiritual companionship, as the volunteers worked side by side caring for the garden. That brief moment as I drove by always felt peaceful, honest and nurturing to me, during what was a challenging time in my life.

Now every year I look forward to seeing the Wednesday gardeners return in the spring.