Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

24 Jun Grandkids and Tomatoes

Warm temperatures in the morning placed droplets of dew on the grass. A beautiful day was waiting for folks in the Lowcountry. Grandkids would arrive soon and the fun would begin. Today’s project would include a trip to the local greenhouse to purchase dirt and tomato plants. Grandkids and tomatoes. 

One of the first comments from our grandchildren Rowan and Eden as they enter the house is “What projects do we have today, Mimi? What are we going to make?”

That day, Bop and I took the grandkids to the store and let them pick out things to grow. Rowan and Eden chose tomato plants that were about  6-8 inches tall. After finding the best ones, each child placed their container in the cart. Our purchases were completed and we headed home.

Bop placed two containers on the grass in the backyard. Each child used a trowel to fill the pots with dirt. Gently placing each plant in the perfect location, Rowan and Eden patted the dirt gently. “Good job, Buddy,” Rowan spoke to his tomato plant.

“Good job, Buddy,” Eden repeated what her big brother had said.

Now, the waiting period started. A few days passed and we noticed small yellow flowers growing on each stalk. With a reminder not to pick the blooms, everyone was patient and continued to wait for the first little green ball to form.

Another week and then, success! Several tiny green tomatoes hung on the vines. Rowan and Eden saw the new developments as soon as they arrived early one morning. “Mimi! They’re growing!” 

“Can we pick them? Can we eat them? When will they turn red?” The questions kept coming from both kids.

Later in the morning, a fierce wind knocked over the pots and little green tomatoes fell off of the vines. Rowan suggested we check on our garden. When we walked outside, Rowan and Eden began picking up the green tomatoes. I suggested we get a plastic bag to hold them until we could take them inside. 

The day continued with other fun crafts and games. The time came for the grandkids to go home. Eden wanted to take a‘mater with her. She took one, looked at it, named the ‘mater, and placed it back in the bag. Names like Sha Sha and Greenie were her choices.

Rowan liked the idea of naming the green tomatoes in his bag. He chose “Derek” as one name.

In the evening, I contacted our son Mike, to remind him that the kids had bags of tomatoes in their backpacks. He told me that he would check. Rowan’s tomatoes were there. Eden’s tomato was gone.

The following day, I spoke to the kids on the phone and asked Eden where she put her tomato. 

“I planted it.” She spoke in a calm voice.

“Where did you put it?” I asked.

“In the pot in the bathroom.” She answered.

Eden went on to tell me that she planted it in Mommy’s flower pot in the bathroom. A beautiful live plant now had a little green tomato in the dirt.

Rowan heard Eden telling me about planting the tomato. He said, “Oh, I moved it.”

With a loud voice, Eden scolded her brother. “Why? Rowan. Why did you move my tomato? Where is it?”

We had no idea where big brother placed her special treasure. But, he knew. He hid it behind the spigot on the sink. No worries. He didn’t want it to get forgotten in the flower pot.

I’m not sure what has happened to those tomatoes. But, I do know that we learned many lessons from God. We learned how to take care of plants, give them names, make sure they are fed and watered, and how not to move something someone else has planted.

Grandkids and tomatoes. Bop and I learned that laughter can come from planting tomatoes. 

Do you have any funny grandchildren’s stories? Share with us and continue the smiles.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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