My "Grey" Thumb

I have always admired people who have a beautiful garden. Many people enjoy their time planting flowers and vegetables. They spend that time relaxing and renewing their mind.

For the longest time, whatever plants I touched and attempted to take care of died shortly. I accepted the fact that I didn’t have a green thumb. That didn’t stop me from trying.

Almost 10 years ago, my mother-in-law gifted me a small jade plant. It was part of a mother plant that belonged to her close relative. That relative passed away, and the plant was part of what she left behind. That succulent required small amount of water. I was determined to take good care of my new green life form.

I watered the jade plant every few days. I placed it under good sunlight. Gradually it didn’t look the same – the leaves started turn brown. The water didn’t seem to go into the soil as fast as before. I supposed I watered it too much. So I gave my plant a break from water. Slowly, it started to revive.

Nine years later, the jade plant is still sitting at the corner of my office by the window. I figured out that once weekly watering with about 4 oz. of water is adequate.

My past failure doesn’t have to define who I am or who I want to be. Although I still don’t have a green thumb, I believe my “black thumb” has turned to at least grey.