How to keep the water away from harming the trees in the garden! This has been a challenge for the last six years since Anna and I returned to live in our cottage.
The leaking canal that runs across the property has adversely affected the nutmeg and coconut trees in the garden. We have trees falling with a wind as the running water across the farm caused loose soil around the trees.
I have represented to the local government authorities as the canal requires urgent attention. Three ears back, there was a sudden surge in the water flow, which the authorities tried to contain by reinforcing the concrete walls. Now it is equally bad!
The property in four layers protected by supporting walls can no longer take in this water flow through the property all the time of the year! During the monsoon there is a layer of water on the surface!
This is the third time in six years we are rebuilding the damaged walls.
To safely keep a farm and tend the field is a demanding exercise!
Every time I walk through this part of the property, I realise that water can also do harm! It does not have to become a flood to cause harm! Water in a wrong place and in large quantity harms.
Water is good and life giving. It turns otherwise sometimes!
Friendships bring abundance in our lives. But it is necessary to protect friendships from becoming manipulative, demanding, choking or one-sided.
When friendships turn sour, it harms and hurts.
The next step need not be always restoration, but healing, forgiveness and acceptance of the new reality of distance... for short or long periods!
M.C.Mathew (text and photo)
