Little Comforts

It's coming up to six months since my mother and dad passed away, their deaths occurring less than a year after my brother Joe died. There are certainly ups and downs in the process of grieving - waves of emotion when you least expect them, memories triggered by everyday occurrences or sights . So, when I saw this little book in Borders book store, it seemed like something that would be helpful and, well, comforting. It's a lovely book, with quotations, prayers and poems for all sorts of situations, and I love the sweet illustration on the cover.

There have been bright spots, too, during this healing time. My mom was a prolific house plant gardener, always able to start a new plant from a cutting, a leaf or a root. I, on the other hand, feel slightly squeamish when given a plant! Will this plant survive under my care, I wonder. A green thumb I do not have!

So, I was happily surprised when one of the plants I had taken from my parents' apartment began to bloom recently and I recognized it as my mom's Christmas cactus!!! How many years had I marveled at the beauty of this plant. I'm sure this is an offshoot of her original gigantic plant, but I feel so honored to have it! I feel like she's saying, "I'm still here, bringing beauty and comfort to your life! But, please, don't forget to water me!"

I'm pretty sure I can hear her laughing.