Weavings is a monthly reflection that is the collective effort of the Wheaton Franciscan Covenant Companions and Sisters to provide spiritual nourishment that helps us feel God’s presence in daily living and invite an openness to God.
In October 2021, Weavings began with a single reflection: Growing Tomatoes by Sister Martha Friedman — a first thread that has since grown into a tapestry woven from community voices, faith, and a shared spirit of hope. Five years later, in her response to the original reflection, Sr. Lynn shares how a simple garden continues to connect her with Sr. Martha and keep her memory alive.
Read Sr. Lynn’s reflection below, followed by the original story that started the Weavings journey in October 2021.
Carrying on the Tomato Patch for Sr. Martha
Written by Sister Lynn Schafer, OSF
It is now my third season of growing tomatoes with Sr. Martha’s beef steak tomato seeds. Every year I have saved seeds and added a few new ones of my own that I thought would add some variety to the garden. I have cherry tomato seeds and some seeds from an extra-large tomato variety. I currently have over 200 seeds which I forgot I had. But as Sr. Martha stated, you never know if they will all sprout. So far, I would say that at least 99% have.
This 2026 season, with all the rain we have been getting, I can report that the critters are not searching for water in the tomato patch. I did find Sr. Martha’s stash of stale peanuts and other odd items for the critters last summer. Take a guess where they landed. I did not have a clue why they were in the garden shed along with knitting needles that she mentioned in her Weavings sharing from a few years ago. Reviewing her article made me laugh, so I will keep the knitting needles around and find some scotch tape as needed for any emergency situations for a broken tomato plant in the future. I will need to work on some surgical skills and call on Martha for some assistance.
I think of Sr. Martha often and feel her presence looking over my shoulder at times, especially as I glance up at her garden ornament that is a huge red cardinal that flies proudly over the row of almost 30 tomato plants.
Original Oct 2021 Reflection: Growing Tomatoes
By Sister Martha Friedman
I remember when I was in Brazil, one of the OFM Franciscans lived out in the colonies. When I asked him why he planted such a big garden, he said: “I plant enough so that a third can be for the thieves, a third for the animals and a third for me.” So, when people tell me I plant too many tomatoes, I remember that story. I plant tomato seeds not knowing if they will all come up. If there are more plants than I need, then I give some to people who are wanting and needing them.
I know the animals help themselves. But, through experimenting, I found a way to work with them. When I started planting tomatoes, each morning I would find one or two tomato stalks pulled up and I would have to replant them. I think the animals were thirsty. They smelled the moist ground and were hoping to find water. So, I gave them water and they didn’t pull up any more plants. I know they are hungry and need to eat also. So, I give them stale nuts, crackers and bread. Now, they eat those things and leave the tomatoes for us.
One day I found a healthy tomato stalk was broken off. It was just attached by the skin on one side. The plant was already 12 to 15 inches tall. At first, I figured there was no chance of saving it. After thinking about it for a few minutes I decided to try to save it. I thought if it doesn’t live, at least I tried. So, I scotch-taped it together. Then I found a 12-inch knitting needle and taped it on the stalk to give support in case of a strong wind. Well, guess what? The plant lived and it produced nice big tomatoes like all of the other plants! We are never too old to learn more. Each year I learn more about yard work and plants.