Gardening for the "Old People"

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My granddad, who will turn 90 this summer, plants a huge garden every year. In August he’ll say that it’s his last garden. It’s too hot, too dry, too much work. But in the spring, he starts getting the ground ready and plants the seeds. When asked why, he says, “all the old people at church count on me to bring them vegetables.” 

Old people? Many of the folks carrying home his squash and tomatoes are decades younger than Granddad!

Here’s the thing.

He’s never reached a point of saying, “I’m the old one now. Someone who is younger should be bringing mevegetables.” It hasn’t crossed his mind that they could go to the farmer’s market or the grocery store. He’s able to provide a gift, so he does it. Year after year in the Permian Basin heat, he shuffles outs to his garden and does the work. It gives him pride and purpose.

What work will you continue long after retirement? What brings your both pride and purpose?