How does Marly's father change over the course of the novel, Miracles on Maple Hill?

Over the course of the novel, Marly's father discovers that he can take control of his life. His self-esteem, which seemed hopelessly lost, returns as the seasons pass, and he raises a garden, fixes up the house, learns to care for his own maple trees, and develops sincere new friendships with his neighbors. His sharing in the cycles of the natural world reawakens his desire to participate in life