Wow, O’Donohue’s words are haunting and gives a lot to ponder. Who knew that the landscapes we've inhabited also retain certain memories of us! Makes a lot of sense actually. And I scoured the web for proverbs that may have similar sentiments. Here are 3 that I found relevant:
Malagasy Proverb: "The earth is God’s bride — she feeds the living and cherishes the dead." This echoes O'Donohue's words (or vice versa).
These 2 proverbs combine to capture what you described as "The Earth, the landscapes of our origins, and its clay and compost, retains an affection for us, but I believe ONLY IF we have reciprocated with a commensurate level of love and care. JUST like my Dad did for over 50 years!"
Kenyan Proverb: "Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children." and this other one:
Chinese Proverb: "He who cheats the earth will be cheated by the earth."
So, Kert, if O'Donohue is to be believed, and if there is any wisdom in these 3 proverbs, the bond that your dad forged with the earth in life remains intact. May the rest of us, whether we feel we have green thumbs or not, remember that we have the earth in our lifetime on loan from our children. Hence, we have to treat it right. Peace and comfort to you!
Wow, O’Donohue’s words are haunting and gives a lot to ponder. Who knew that the landscapes we've inhabited also retain certain memories of us! Makes a lot of sense actually. And I scoured the web for proverbs that may have similar sentiments. Here are 3 that I found relevant:
Malagasy Proverb: "The earth is God’s bride — she feeds the living and cherishes the dead." This echoes O'Donohue's words (or vice versa).
These 2 proverbs combine to capture what you described as "The Earth, the landscapes of our origins, and its clay and compost, retains an affection for us, but I believe ONLY IF we have reciprocated with a commensurate level of love and care. JUST like my Dad did for over 50 years!"
Kenyan Proverb: "Treat the earth well. It was not given to you by your parents. It is loaned to you by your children." and this other one:
Chinese Proverb: "He who cheats the earth will be cheated by the earth."
So, Kert, if O'Donohue is to be believed, and if there is any wisdom in these 3 proverbs, the bond that your dad forged with the earth in life remains intact. May the rest of us, whether we feel we have green thumbs or not, remember that we have the earth in our lifetime on loan from our children. Hence, we have to treat it right. Peace and comfort to you!