I went to Europe last October and didn't get back until the middle of January this year. Before I left, I gathered all my house plants and placed them on the large kitchen island to make it easier on the kids when they came up to water them. I left the blinds on the kitchen widow open. And with the two story windows and west window blinds open, there was enough sunlight to keep the plants happy enough. So I thought!
My lovely Christmas cactus -- actually it was my dad's that I inherited after both he and my mother passed away, must have been unhappy that I was not home during the Christmas season. It usually blooms the month of December, so you can imagine my surprise when I came home the middle of January to see that my Christmas cactus had not bloomed.
I trimmed and removed unwanted leaves from each plant. I placed them in their rightful place. I put my prized Christmas cactus back on it's stand in the library.
A couple of days went by, and then... to my pleasant surprise, the most beautiful, vivid, pink blooms I had ever seen, burst forth on my Christmas cactus. It was like it was shouting for joy... "hooray, she's home!" And the blooms just kept coming day after day! Oh... happiness! That was the most beautiful and warm welcome home I could have ever asked for. And, it seemed to sense that. On those cold, gray winter days, I was reminded of how much beauty and color there is in the world in every season.
My Christmas cactus was late in blooming. In it's simple decision to wait for me, I received a beautiful message on love! My plant knew that I would need the beauty of its blooms when I returned in the middle of winter. It waited patiently. Never questioning that it would be blooming late. It went against its natural timeline. Just to bring me happiness!
Who says that plants don't know their owners! Who says that plants don't know their place in your home! Plants have feelings, just like us! They thrive when they are loved and cared for. They bloom when they want to show you how much they love you. They give in return what we give them.
I love my Christmas cactus! Dad's gift to me. And... I even wonder if dad had something to do with it blooming late this year! Either way, I know that they both love me! And I love them!
Writing prompt #4: Write a blog post inspired by the word: late
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I'm glad it was a "late bloomer"--that sounded like something dad would say :D
ReplyDeleteI almost wrote about mom's last day with us, when she said "You're always late!" But I didn't think it would mean anything to anybody but us.
Have a great day.
I saw your "Easter Post" in the reader but when I clicked through to it it wasn't on your blog. I thought it was a fun post.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a treat to come home to and such an inspirational message! I'm glad it waited for you!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your plant waited for you to get home before blooming. Blooms really are like little gifts.
ReplyDelete