July harvest 2024

In my small circle, July brought forth three baby boys and one very large cucumber.

I had nothing to do with birthing the young boys; I planted the cucumber, a Japanese variety.

Actually, I did have something to do with baby Elliot Wayne. His mother is my granddaughter, Sophie. Over sixty years ago, I gave birth to her father in the Methodist Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. I had a mad crush on Dr. Arnold, the dashing obstetrician who orchestrated the ten-pounder’s arrival. The same ten-pounder who instantly christened Elliot Wayne, his first grandchild, E-Dub.

E-Dub is a New Yorker, born in Presbyterian Hospital on the Upper West Side. So is little Ezra. Two weeks older, a pound lighter, one-half inch shorter at birth, his mom is my step-granddaughter; her grandfather my late husband of fifty years. Ezra’s father, Isidor, hails from Bangladesh. Immediately, I dubbed the father-son duo Izzy and Ezzy.

In my own backyard, Alex who has tended the gardens for over twenty years, became a grandfather in his own right. His first, Emiliano Tomàs, born on the same day as Elliot Wayne, weighed four ounces more. His grandfather wears a baseball hat with #1 Grandad across the front panel as he methodically trims the bougainvillea.

Elliot. Ezra. Emiliano.

Three little pink things, slightly wrinkled, with fine dark hair on their perfect little heads. Three little bundles no bigger than a down bed pillow, no longer than a French baguette.

Three baby boys given first names beginning with E and significant meanings.

Elliott is a Hebrew name which comes from the biblical name Elijah, a prophet in the Old Testament. It has multiple meanings including “with strength and right” and “the Lord is my God.”

Ezra also has its origins in the Hebrew language, meaning “helper” and is associated with wisdom and leadership. It comes from the biblical figure Ezra, who was priest in the Old Testament known for leading a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and for his significant role in the restoration of the Jewish community.

Emiliano is of Latin origin and means “eager” and Spanish origin meaning “industrious.” It was the name of a sixth century saint, originating from the Roman cognomen Aemilianus. It is also identified with the Mexican revolutionary leader, Emiliano Zapata.

Elliot. Ezra. Emiliano.

These names given to these newly-borns seem worldly in scope for such tiny beings. Perhaps they’ll grow into them?

Elliot. Ezra. Emiliano.

A mix of cultures, ethnicities, and environments. An infant melting pot. What kind of world will these three little guys populate? Will their paths cross? What will they become? 

Will they ever grow Japanese cucumbers?

Impossible for me to say.

I can say that I know what my Japanese Cucumber’s destiny is. This evening, along with a splash of rice vinegar, a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, it will headline the Sunomono Salad I’ll prepare for dinner.