Sweet Billions

Here it is almost the end of October and we are still eating little tomatoes by the handful.  Four big plants have produced what seems like billions of these tasty delights.  I am thinking of writing to the seed company to change the name from Sweet Millions to Sweet Billions.  In early May it looked like there would be no tomatoes.  Gardener husband replanted tomato plants four times.  It was cold and wet and we sure needed persistence.  We were discouraged.  We almost scrapped the idea of a garden altogether.  Now here we are, constantly astonished by the fruitfulness of these vines that are pulled up under the eves at the front of the house, a green veil in front of our eating area windows, stretching from the ground seven feet up to the roof.  This year even the usual fall blight has not descended to ruin the crop, but certainly early on we thought there would be no fruit.

As I look out through the green screen of plants with surprise orange and red delights, I am reminded that the early beginnings may not be indicators of later fruitfulness.   Keep being persistent.  Push through those really hard times.  Keep on watering and enriching the soil as best as you can.  Pull the plants up close to the house with a bit of protection.   Surprisingly, sometimes the fruit will still come a little late.  Each day as I smell the tomatoey freshness and pick yet another batch of firm tasty fruit, I am encouraged.  In my own kids I am watching out for those unique fruits that each produce, praying for a receptive heart to recognize their growth.  A moment of kindness.  A smile that lights the room.  A lovely picture drawn.  Fruits of persistence emerging.