I too was given a mini rose bush from my boyfriend a few years ago and it dried up and turned brown like it was burnt. I have alot of aloe Vera plant and I figured the plant heals burns on humans so I clipped off a spear and cut it in half and squeezed out the gel and planted Aloe Vera spear in rose bud dirt. In a few weeks the mini rose bush cane back to life and out grew it's planter pot,do I carefully transplanted it in a larger container,suprisingly the roots looked odd Like big onion bulbs like seaweed,not resembling roses or Aloe Vera roots,anyway the plant lasted for six to eight months longer than the dried up burnt dead stage that was the previous state of mini roses. Hopefully this true story will help you with having your rose bush come back to life. I'm curious why the root structure changed so drastically do any exoerts know why the roots. Came to look like huge bulbs like seaweed? Thank you katy

I usually use a store bought seed starting mix, but this year I decided to try a homemade mix for seed starting. We used some well-aged homemade compost. It was finely sifted and placed in a covered container in September. We then mixed 4 parts of this screened and sifted compost with 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite, and 1 part vermiculite. So far our plants look really healthy. Cabbage, basil, sage, and dill are all doing fine in this mix. No signs of mold, rot, damping off, or bugs yet. I guess this is the year for experimenting, because I have also purchased one of those fancy seed starter kits from Gurney's. It was a total impulse buy. I have started some more cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, and spinach in that. I sowed these seeds 2 days ago and several have already sprouted. Germination seems like it will not be a problem with this kit. I am more worried about the roots and how well they will grow in the provided "grow plugs". Also, because the styrofoam tray that the plugs sit in is constantly floating on water, it seems like the plants might not like being constantly saturated as they are growing. I am going to keep an eye on them and if I see any signs that they are not doing well, I will take them out of this tray and put them in their own pots. So far though everything is looking good. I will keep you updated on the progress of my little friends!

Your post brought back tons of memories. We too lost a beautiful and much loved daughter. After 13 years we are OK but have learned alot. The pain is worse than anyone can imagine, and there is no antidote. Grieving takes an enormous amount of energy that comes off the top. Having others to help with your boys and their needs is vital. I went to two separate therapists both said everything I was feeling was normal [whatever the heck normal is]. The suggestion to find a Compassionate Friends or Bereaved Parents of USA group is a great one. These are folk who have been where you are now and can help. I too was mad at God - that's my right and your right. I couldn't then, nor can I now imagine how a loving God can take a child. If that means I'm going to H... then OH Well.. Another suggestion is to keep a journal of your feelings. You are very good at expressing yourself and it's a great way to gage how you are doing, and gives you a place to put things that might seem crazy to others. My last suggestion is simply to hang on... it will get better.... it doesn't feel like it can but it will... Our daughters name is Jen.... Take Care...

I'm the same way. When school is getting ready to let out, most parents are complaining about having their kids underfoot all summer....I'm excited! We do so many fun things together, and have lots of one on one time. When school starts, it gets so quiet around the house without her and her friends playing in the house or yard. I miss it.