I'd forgotten that we'd planted our three arbors with pink wisteria in the middle, bookended with purple. There was a plan to this yard once. I find I am missing the rush of the waterfall which we dug out before (or maybe shortly after) Ellie was born. I used to step out on the deck at sunset and flip the switch - prop my elbows on the handrail, rest my chin on the cradle of my hands, watch the water swell and tumble over the top ledge, then slapping down on the rocks below. Heaven.
Despite its small size, this was no measly waterfall. It had a beautiful thundering sound pouring out of two falls that faced each other. A little rock ledge served as a platform for Ty's wheelchair, allowing him to place his hand through the sheet of water on the left (and higher) of the two falls.
It was high maintenance as far as water features go - the pond wasn't deep enough for fish or still enough for plants and algae would grow unchecked until we drained the pond, removed the rocks, pressure washed everything, and allowed it to dry in the heat of the summer sun. Then we'd replace the rocks and refill the water. It was back-breaking work. Then one spring we noticed it was settling and cracking.
So we took it out.
Fours years later, I really regret it. Sometimes a little sweat, an entire day's devotion, and a week's worth of sore muscles are small prices to pay.
