Tonight's picture was taken in April of 2005. Mattie was three years old and we took him to the National Arboretum. This is a special place to visit in April and early May, because hundreds of azaleas are blooming. For as far as the eye can see. My joke with Mattie was the azaleas were blooming in celebration of his April birthday. Mattie loved to hear that and we did try to visit the Arboretum around Mattie's birthday to commemorate the occasion.
Quote of the day: Where flowers bloom so does hope. ~ Lady Bird Johnson
It is hard to believe that Mattie's classmates graduated from 8th grade today. Middle school is done for them and they are moving onto high school in the Fall. I am not sure what is more earth shattering, the fact that I am forever the mom of a kindergartner, or that Mattie is no longer with us and we have missed the opportunity to see him grow like so many other parents get to do and frankly take for granted with their children. What parent thinks.... I better cherish this year, because there may not be more to come? Most parents fortunately do not live with that mindset or childhood cancer experience.
Yet I assure you graduation puts Peter and I into a funk and quandary. I know full well that it is natural for children to graduate and parents to celebrate, but it is very hard to be happy on one hand for our friends, while on the other hand it further solidifies what is missing in our life. I have no answers for this dilemma, other than acknowledging it outright and trying to balance my own feelings, while being sensitive to those around me.
I spent a good portion of my morning doing finishing touches on four flower arrangements I created. I am not sure what was more challenging, buying and carrying all these flowers, arranging them, or packaging them up so they could be safely transported 25 minutes away from where I live. I vote on boxing and transporting!
In all reality I wasn't sure whether I was home or in a flower shop???? The fragrance of all these flowers filled our home. Which was an intoxicating aroma.
This photo shows all the flowers I bought, but they had not been arranged yet.
1 comment:
Vicki,
I know I will never look at an arrangement of flowers the same again. What you created out of all the flowers, you chose was magnificent.
My favorite was the Sunflower. I too, like sunflowers. I also love the Preschool age. Of course all ages are amazing. Your arrangements and explanations, beautiful.
I admire you greatly for creating these beautiful arrangements of flowers while also having a heavy heart. Mattie should have graduated today. Childhood Cancer robbed Mattie, you & Peter yet in consideration of your friends who are celebrating graduations with their children and families, you created a way of showing you care through the magic of flowers and the beauty, they represent. You are amazing, Vicki - one of a kind. I am sorry for every day that you don't have Mattie and for all the milestone events, you will miss!!!
Post a Comment