Revolutionary Signs of Spring
Christopher Radko and I took a walk through Kosciuszko’s Garden recently to see what needs to be done after the difficult winter. The list is long and challenging in this time when military budgets have been slashed; volunteers will be needed more than ever to keep the Garden in shape. The beautiful purple crocuses, however, have poked their buds up through all the dried, grey refuse in this amazing place overlooking the Hudson River, symbolizing the hope that the garden will thrive and endure no matter what. If the garden that Kosciuszko built himself 237 years ago is still here, then we will work hard to keep it alive and offering the respite it has provided all these years
As one studies the American Revolution, and becomes more immersed in this history, it is apparent that “hope” was clearly part of the strategy in the early days of independence. The British lost opportunities to defeat the colonists on several occasions early on because they underestimated the level of dedication and hope shown by both the military and private citizens. I highly recommend a book I am reading now that shows the day to day reality of living through those revolutionary times as a citizen surrounded by all the challenges of war. The book is recently published and is entitled Dear Abigail: The Intimate Lives and Revolutionary Ideas of Abigail Adams and Her Two Remarkable Sisters by Diane Jacobs.
Jacobs has used all of the correspondence between Abigail Adams and her two sisters to give us a remarkable view of how the Revolution effected women and families during this period and the enormous courage and tenacity they demonstrated to “stay hopeful” when the odds were clearly against them and their sacrifices were so great.
Kosciuszko’s Garden is a place to contemplate and be inspired by hope as represented by these lovely, early spring flowers.
Monday, March 17, 2014