African violet

This morning, I woke thinking of my Mom. Not an unusual occurance for me. I think of her everyday. But, this morning was different. Mary was "here" beside me. Her essence was very, very strong and it made me cry. Made me smile from my heart as well. Apparently, I had the need of my Mother and she wanted to let me know that I was not alone. It worked.

Many years ago, when I first married Dave, my Mom gave me my very first plant for our apartment. It was a purple African violet. She reminded me that these were a delicate plant and to be sure to water from below. Not to get the leaves wet as they would rot. Oh, and to please not overwater for the same reason. No direct sunlight. So, I found a place not in reach of the Southern exposure, no drafts, and babied it. It bloomed and bloomed and bloomed and bloomed. For nearly 26 years. Many times repotted (not too big a pot as they like tight spaces, Mary told me.) and I never killed it. Everytime I looked at that plant, "Mary was home" with me.

I always found it ironic that the violet plant started to die around the time my marriage began to. I'm being very honest in saying that I "felt" it knew that our time, as well as it's part in it, was done. It gave the most beautiful blooms and the broadest green leaves it could. But, it was beyond be capable of doing it any longer. I tried to take the leaves and grow new roots, but it never took. Like my marriage. I think that is why Mary stopped by today. She reminded me of that plant that I nurtured for so long and what I did to help it grow and bloom. That sometimes there really is nothing else you can do, but let the plant go to the big earth recycle in the sky.

I thought about this all morning. I decided something. That African violet gave all it could to me. I gave all I could to my marriage. Then there is time let it go. Completely. Well, today I bought a new African violet plant. Same purple blooms and velvety leaves. Little tiny thing, really. I left Lowe's with my new friend and potting soil. I came home, found the most perfect pot for it to grow in, transplanted it, and gave it alot of water. Under the leaves, of course. This is a new welcome home gift for me. From Mary, again. New beginnings just as the first plant was intended so many years ago. It sits on the same table the other had and in the same window. I cannot wait to see how far it will spread it's leaves and the many blossoms it will share. I do believe we are two delicate flowering plants about to embark on a new Season of life.

Mom, thank you for stopping by today. I love you.