Friday, May 08, 2015

What do the flowers say?



Early on a Sunday morning in May, a small boy climbs the hill behind his house. His mission: to collect a bouquet of bluebells for his mother. The small boy grew to be a young man and every year he gathered bluebells for his mother on Mother's Day. That young man became my son-in-law. This custom of his has always touched me.

The bluebells are long gone this year, as are the daffodils and tulips. Lilacs are on the wane and the first peony is opening in my garden. The hydrangea bush received 12 years ago on my first Mother's Day back in Canada is forming tight buds, but it will be awhile before it blooms.

Still there will be flowers for Mother's Day, whether gathered in the wild, picked from a garden, purchased at a florist shop, or sent virtually in a card or email.

What do the flowers say? I love you. You are precious to me. I value your role in my life. You gave me life and taught me how to live. 

For some, becoming a mother was easy, for others an arduous process of years of hope, tears, and longing. For some, the longing is never fulfilled. My daughter wrote eloquently about her own mothering journey and at the end of her post urges kindness in the midst of celebration. I can only echo her words, as I, too, struggled with becoming a mother. 

Celebration. Love. Thoughtfulness. Gratitude. Kindness. Good concepts that mothers teach their children. Let's not forget the lessons. Give flowers that speak without words, deep from the heart.

 

29 comments:

  1. There I go, crying again. Beautiful words. And G still gathers bluebells for his mother. I have a few left is a shady corner of the garden that I've been saving for this weekend.

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  2. Beautiful! Happy Mother's Day! :) Tammy

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  3. This is beautiful Lorrie. Happy Mother's Day blessings to you.

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  4. I am so encouraged by this beautiful post...the flowers say what we all need to hear. Thank you. Happy Mothers Day xxo

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  5. We do always need to be reminded of this. This holiday could be a reminder of something badly wanted but was not to be. Not just for someone who was not able to have the family they wanted, but for their parents who weren't able to have the grandchildren they hoped they wood. And of course for any mother who might ache with worry for a child, it can be emotional.

    Mother's Day is not always happy. Remember the saying: A mother is only as happy as her saddest child.

    Your message about flowers is a good one. Flowers always help.

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  6. Hello, Lorrie!
    You and your daughter reminded us of some very important things. Thank you for the beautiful posts.
    Have a blessed Mother's Day... and a beautiful spring weekend full of flowers! :)

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  7. Beautifully written, as is your daughter's post.

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  8. Happy Mothers day to you! xx

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  9. Oh Lorrie,,,that was beautiful. Have a beautiful Mother's Day. xoxo

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  10. Such a beautiful post...
    A very happy Mother's Day weekend to you...

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  11. Thank you for a beautiful picture of bluebells and touching stories.

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  12. You have such a wonderful way with words!! Happy Mother's Day to you Lorrie!

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  13. A really pretty post...being a mother of two, I generally get two beautiful plants or flowers. They are just a little icing on the cake of being their mother. I thank God every day for choosing me to be the mother of these two amazing people.
    and, I sure am missing MY mama this morning.

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  14. What a beautiful post, Lorrie, and a gentle reminder to be thoughtful and kind during this Mother's Day celebration. I love the touching story of your son-in-law.

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  15. Your Son in Law is a darling, what a wonderful thing to do. I miss the bluebells, we had so many that the elderly English lady in our condo used to mutter to herself each time she was outside..."weeds, weeds" I could never see them that way.

    It's always good to see the meaning behind the commercialism...and to realize that there are good reasons behind the celebrations.

    Jen

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  16. Replies
    1. Hahahaha...that's another kind of "hi." Hope it works!

      What a sweet tradition your son-in-law pursues. I am sure that his mother appreciates his efforts. Kindness, yes, always kindness .

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  17. There are some traditions that people do that are so special and your son in law has proved that. Have a wonderful Mother's Day my lovely xx

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  18. Happy Mother's Day, Lorrie, and thank you for sharing that sweet story.

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  19. Such wonderful words your daughter wrote. I find the world has taken Mother's Day (and other special days) into the commercial and guilt tripping world. It seems you must buy gifts, gifts, gifts from all the special offers the flyers tempt us with. Traditions are special and so appreciated by many. Let's hope they don't vanish entirely.

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  20. I hope you get to celebrate with your daughter and granddaughter for Mother's Day Lorrie. Just being together is a gift all of its own.

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  21. Wishing you a happy Mother's Day, Lorrie!

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  22. Happy Mother's Day Lorrie.

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  23. Dear Lorrie, this is such a lovely post, you touched my heart.
    You certainly have the gift of a tender and loving heart, you are a sweetie pie.
    Happy Mother's Day :)

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  24. I love the delicate bluebell flower! All flowers are precious gifts! Happy Mother's Day!

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  25. Beautiful post... lovely thoughts.

    Brenda
    xox

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  26. What a lovely post, Lorrie. Weren't the bluebells beautiful this year?

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  27. Beautiful bluebells, beautiful post! You are right, flowers of any kind have a way of saying "I love you"! I read your daughter's heartfelt post...it was so beautifully worded and you have darling little grand daughter! I hope your Mother's Day was blessed!

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  28. What a sweet Mother's Day remembrance and thoughts.

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