Not Just a Plant
I bought myself a poinsettia the other day. This isn't earthshaking. It is sort of silly thing for me to do though because I can't keep a plant alive... well, to save my life. I'm pretty sure it will be dead by Christmas. I couldn't help myself though, they remind me of my Grandmother. She passed away over 10 years ago now but I think of her every time I see a poinsettia.
You see, her birthday was December 23rd. Somewhere along the way I bought her a poinsettia for a gift. Really, what else do you get for the woman that doesn't ask for anything? That purchase ended up being our little tradition. If it got to be her birthday and I had not arrived with poinsettia in hand I could be sure of a phone call. It would go something like this. "Rachel, do you know what today is? Where is my poinsettia?" I would then need to rush right out to her place to deliver it although that was usually where I was headed anyway.
In recent years there has been a drastic change in our colour options. It used to be that the only choices were red, white or something between red and white. The introduction of blue would have been a joyful achievement for her. Blue was, after all her favorite colour as you would have known from just stepping foot in her home. Everything was blue! The walls, the dishes, her favorite cloths and jewelry, even their car if I remember correctly. A blue poinsettia would have made her day.
The plan I chose is a pink and white blend. It stands on the ledge between my kitchen and living room. I look at it often and smile as I think of her. Sometimes a tear does come to eye as well. I think of how much she would have LOVED her great grandchildren! Before she passed I wasn't dating anyone, yet she gave me a wedding gift. She told me that she would not be around for my wedding but wanted me to put out the gift with a note that it was from her. She said straight out that she had really hoped to be able to see me get married and have children. Since I'm the oldest I suppose it fell to me to be the first. She never met Randall and I am sorry for that.
Before Trinity was born Randall and I had a miscarriage. I was about 10 weeks along and it broke my heart. So many people offered well meaning words of sympathy and support but there is really nothing anyone can do in that situation. The one thing that brought me comfort was the thought of my Grandmother. I could picture her holding that little baby close, stroking it's hair and rocking it in her arms. If I had to loose that child at least I knew it would be well looked after and loved as I asked God to intrust her with my baby's care. I am glad that they have each other.
This is what I see when I look at a poinsettia.
You see, her birthday was December 23rd. Somewhere along the way I bought her a poinsettia for a gift. Really, what else do you get for the woman that doesn't ask for anything? That purchase ended up being our little tradition. If it got to be her birthday and I had not arrived with poinsettia in hand I could be sure of a phone call. It would go something like this. "Rachel, do you know what today is? Where is my poinsettia?" I would then need to rush right out to her place to deliver it although that was usually where I was headed anyway.
In recent years there has been a drastic change in our colour options. It used to be that the only choices were red, white or something between red and white. The introduction of blue would have been a joyful achievement for her. Blue was, after all her favorite colour as you would have known from just stepping foot in her home. Everything was blue! The walls, the dishes, her favorite cloths and jewelry, even their car if I remember correctly. A blue poinsettia would have made her day.
The plan I chose is a pink and white blend. It stands on the ledge between my kitchen and living room. I look at it often and smile as I think of her. Sometimes a tear does come to eye as well. I think of how much she would have LOVED her great grandchildren! Before she passed I wasn't dating anyone, yet she gave me a wedding gift. She told me that she would not be around for my wedding but wanted me to put out the gift with a note that it was from her. She said straight out that she had really hoped to be able to see me get married and have children. Since I'm the oldest I suppose it fell to me to be the first. She never met Randall and I am sorry for that.
Before Trinity was born Randall and I had a miscarriage. I was about 10 weeks along and it broke my heart. So many people offered well meaning words of sympathy and support but there is really nothing anyone can do in that situation. The one thing that brought me comfort was the thought of my Grandmother. I could picture her holding that little baby close, stroking it's hair and rocking it in her arms. If I had to loose that child at least I knew it would be well looked after and loved as I asked God to intrust her with my baby's care. I am glad that they have each other.
This is what I see when I look at a poinsettia.
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