Could you use something about 10 ft tall that looks like tiny sunflowers? I probably have some Jerusalem Artichoke/sunchokes in the old garden. They are good at "naturalizing" ie being invasive. They do look pretty cool and get really tall with nice flowers. You need an area that they can take over though...can we say extra hardy. I could send you a couple tubers, that is all you will need. Kim

Very sorry for your loss. I agree that this experience will help you work through your sorrows in a positive way. My immediate thought was to create a labyrinth garden. Wandering the circular paths inspires peace of mind and tranquility and are often used in hospitals and the like for a similar purpose to yours. I'm picturing one that is partially enclosed for privacy, adorned with cool, calming colors, some statues and a quiet place to sit. I don't know if you will like the idea or not, but I did a Google search to find you an example. I suggest making observations and some mental/physical notes of the site (regarding light, moisture, wind, etc.) and some photos to take in to a local nursery for some suggestions on appropriate plant material. Also take your time: look through some magazines, books and on the internet. Find pictures of styles, "looks", plants, etc that you like and take a few of your favorites with you to the nursery as well. This will be a lovely thing to do in memory of your loved one. Again, do take your time as the process has the potential of contributing to your healing as much as the finished product. I would love to see some pictures as you go along as well! Take care. Janelle

LeeAnna was a member of this Garden Web. A couple people knew her & wanted to have a plant sale for her family. Alot didn't know her directly but she was one of us, and we have plants to help. 32 years old, she left behind a young husband with loads of medical bills And a 1 year old baby girl; Madeline Rose. This sale is for Madeline Rose & Matt, by Garden Web gardeners who want to help out. Come show your support. Or be SQUARE.

Paige, I am so glad that your Dad is able/capable/willing to talk and deal with his sister. I couldn't tell if that was so when I read all of this last night. My brother committed suicide when I was living abroad almost 7 years ago now. We were in the middle of adopting a 6 year old in a foreign country and I could not return for the funeral. Had I left Korea, she couldn't have come with me and would have had to go back to the orphanage. There is no way she would have understood. So, I had to grieve alone. As it turned out, there was no funeral! My parents were too embarrassed and had my brother cremated. Finally, they decided to do a memorial service and the woman pastor told my parents that if someone commits suicide they went to hell. My brother was a Spirit filled, full Gospel believing Christian that was very depressed and sick. It was a good thing I wasn't state side or I could have slapped a pastor silly. It was just horrible to know what that ninny did to my parents psychologically and emotionally all because she was a 'pastor.' I called this pastor and had it out spiritually with her. She went back to my parents and asked to see his Bible. After viewing his Bible, she 'declared him righteous' because only someone seeking God would have highlighted certain passages; so now she tried to back peddle my brother out of hell to my parents. I heard the memorial service was very different. I requested that it be audio taped, but ala, the tape machine 'broke'. I'm still irritated when I think about it all. I can sincerely empathize at your struggles with family. I have just had to be very careful of not engaging in commenting one way or another. I've had very little to say to my parents or siblings about the matter. He's gone. I have the best end of the deal. I am the adoptive mother to my brother's son. My brother chose us to be his child's parents at birth, 14 years ago. I just keep focus on the gift I've been given. It's the only peace I have though life. I hope you have some personal peace over this whole situation and am praying that right is done concerning your grandmother's estate. It's shameful what a crafy manipulator can accomplish when a loved one's health is on the decline and they're scared and emotionally dependent. I'm hoping that all manipulations are exposed and expunged. What goes around, comes around. Here is a link that might be useful: My kiddos now