My Mother's Garden

~Betty Lynn Patton Willard ~

(5/2/46 -10/30/02)

My Mother kept a garden,
A garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
That gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine
And encouraged me to dream,
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem…
Her constant good example
Always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
That will last a lifetime long.

I am my Mother’s garden.
I am her legacy-
And I hope today she feels the love
Reflected back from me.

Everyone has a garden, a garden of their own. Each garden reflects the true heart of that person, a glimpse into their very soul. This year instead of recollecting memories, I am choosing instead to bring my Mother’s garden out for all to see… a garden that was watered with among other things, beanie babies, sports, antiques, NASCAR, and nature. Our Mother’s Garden….. Her children:

November 13, 1963 Ken came in loud and proud. Even today he makes sure that everyone knows he was first and was the apple of his mother’s eye. He was watered with baseball, basketball, the love of ‘fixing things’ and of nature. Ken, with his wonderful wife Anna have started their own garden. Casey Patton Willard. If Ken was the apple of his mother’s eye, it is safe to say that Casey was the cherry that was on the topping.

June 18, 1969 Leigh, yes that’s me.. Arrived, I feel bold and ready. I can say I was watered with the love of children and family, and a readiness that keeps me prepared for anything that could come my way. I was able to bless my Mother with 3 boys, Thomas Green, Jacob Faulkner, and Mickenna Lee. Each were special to their Nanny in their own way, each bringing pride in her voice every time she spoke of them. Today, I am able to bring to my Mother a new section for her garden; a wonderful husband Mike and the addition of two more grandchildren, Autumn Michelle and Michael Todd. Both of whom she would love and appreciate as if they were her own.


April 25, 1977, Jason…Mr. Adventure. I can never remember a time that Jason didn’t have a plan for one thing or another. He was watered with the love of sports and the sense of love. Jason blessed our Mother, with his son, Jaylen Xavier. Jaylen was our Mother’s last grandchild to hold, the last grandchild to steal a piece of her heart. She held him near and dear to her heart. Our Mother would be so very proud to see what a wonderful Father Jason has become.

September 29, 1978, Matthew Owen Patton… Who would ever believe that Matthew would today be the big ex-Air Force body-builder that he is. Matthew was the cutest baby with the biggest personality anyone could ever find. Matthew was watered with self-esteem, and the gift of humor. Matthew blessed our Mother with memories and pride like no other.

August 31, 1986, Joseph….Joseph came in a quiet way, the child that very sweetly walked beside you holding your hand. He would smile at you and your heart would melt. Joseph brought our Mother youth, one of the most impressive gifts of all.

Last but not least, at the center of her garden was our father, Aubrey. My Father brought our Mother strength, security, love beyond reason, and friendship. His love for her has to this day been strong and has never wavered. My Mother called him “The Wind Beneath Her Wings”. It has taken me many years to truly understand her meaning of this. Today, I am proud to say that the two of them are my parents.

My Garden Keepers

My Mother, Betty Lynn,
And my Father, Aubrey Kenneth.

Happy Birthday to My Mother, from the many petals of her garden.

Love, Ken, Anna, Leigh, Jason, Matthew, and Joseph
And her grandchildren, Thomas, Casey, Jacob, Mickenna, and Jaylen~

Written by Leigh, with love.