There’s a bench in my garden — old, weathered, and quietly sacred. It’s not the one at Golden Acre Park, though that one holds its own story. This bench sits by the greenhouse, nestled in the rhythm of daily life. It’s over 20 years old, and in my father’s final year, it became our sanctuary.
We’d sit together, his head resting on my shoulder. There was a time once when my head rested on his shoulder.. No words needed. Just presence.
The bench itself is precarious now — not strong enough to sit on, but still standing thanks to a lovingly restored leg (which cost more than the bench itself). It’s sturdy enough for plant pots, and soon, it’ll cradle colour and life once more.
This week, I painted it mango orange. Not just any orange — our orange. The same shade that warms the walls of his old bedroom, now mine. The colour that lifts my heart and reminds me that love doesn’t fade. It transforms.
As I painted, emotions swirled. Was I holding on too tightly? Or was this an act of rightful restoration? I chose the latter. Because every time Oscar and I step into the garden or head out for a walk, I’ll see that bench and smile.
I also recall the first day my German Shepherd, Oscar came home age 8 weeks, he was not happy having been taken away from his human family, mum, and sister so when he came out of the car (the only time I recall actually lifting him out of the car), he ran and sat under this very same bench as if to say ‘this is my safe space’.
This bench- It’s not just furniture. It’s a memory made visible. A ritual of renewal. A quiet declaration that love, once rooted, never leaves.
I loved the colour so much that I was inspired to send a message to the paints company to say to the paint development team that their hard work did not go unnoticed and that their carefully mixed, and made paint has made it to my home, and lifted my heart, as well as restored my father’s ‘old’ bench which, yes, I am still so proud of, and I am still hanging on to for as long as I can. I was not expecting anything other than to share my appreciation but instead I received a thank you card from Dulux and their toy dog mascot. Wonders never cease and kindness comes from unexpected sources!
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