On my way to pick her up the other day, I started to think about where my love of flowers began. I was very young. I remember helping my grandmother ('Mimi') plant marigolds and pansies in my yard. I loved the colors, the smell of the flowers and the earth. I loved to dig and touch. It was one of my favorite things to do.
Mimi helped me develop a lifelong respect for nature and the beauty that it offers. Whether it was digging in the garden or taking nature walks to collect wildflowers, I found a warmth and love that fills me up and soothes me each time I cut a stem or pick up a trowel. As we approach Mother's Day, I think of her and how I'd like to thank her for that gift.
I hope that I am passing that gift on to my children. It's one that cannot be taken away, that is easily accessible, that should be revered and respected. Children around the world receive it from mothers, grandmothers, sisters (and fathers, but we'll save that for Father's Day) wherever there is green grass and blue sky.
Do you have a memory relating to flowers, or nature in general that you associate with your Mom or Grandmother? Do tell!
