Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson, once said that “where flowers bloom so does hope.” It is a worthy observation after a cold winter season, to see the joy of spring clothed in beautiful flowers.
As I thought about this verse, and the budding of the flowers and trees that have begun to dot the neighborhoods, my memories of the cold days of winter were fading.
In the past few weeks, I’ve noticed too that sickness has come to visit many fine people I’ve come to know, and one day my friend Sharon and I decided to visit one such friend.
And as I picked Sharon up at her house, I noticed that she had prepared a beautiful basket of flowers to present to our friend who was preparing for a most difficult journey of treatment for her illness.
Sharon’s basket contained several flowers which I did not know; I am a novice when it comes to flowers; but one of them she told me was the ‘forsythia’.
This flower, I learned, ‘is celebrated in literature, as a ‘vibrant, early-spring symbol of pure joy, anticipation and triumph of life over winter’s gloom.’
And as I thought of this description, it was also for Sharon and my hope, that our friend might enjoy this flower with that same symbolism; and that she may ‘triumph in similar fashion over her situation and illness’ and get well.’
If you are not familiar with the forsythia, you might notice them in yards filled with bright yellow blossoms, as their limbs reach to and fro and toward the sun, a beautiful sight to behold.
Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s definition is a bit more profound and descriptive than mine:
‘Forsythia is pure joy. There is not an ounce, not a glimmer of sadness or even knowledge in forsythia. Pure, undiluted, untouched joy.’
These beautiful flowers certainly have the tendency to brighten up those early days of spring and yards around our homes and paths of life. I, too, believe they have a tendency to bring a smile to one’s face when presented as it did for our friend.
It seems too like a ‘blessing of hope’ for things to come for those who face difficult trials.
Another flower in Sharon’s basket bouquet was the ‘daffodil’. I was, for sure, learning a lot about those different flowers of spring on this day.
In my readings about this flower, I found some new folklore that has avoided me for many years. It seemed most appropriate for this occasion.
And these brilliant little flowers of a golden yellow and some various shades of white, cream, pink and red, carry with them a hidden message to brighten one’s life with happiness and joy.
The daffodil is a small delicate flower in stature, but one that represents their endurance in the most difficult times as they are often found growing in the cold of winter and nestled in the shallow snows of the earth.
‘In many cultures, especially Chinese, they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.’
These beautiful bright little yellow flowers that Sharon had picked and included in this most precious bouquet to our friend, also represented a hope that is often distributed for ‘cancer awareness charities.’
I remember in the spring of many years buying these flowers from cancer supporters as they reminded me of those many challenges of people who confront this disease every day.
And Sharon’s gift of flowers represents not only a present of hope for those who receive it, but an old adage suggests that it too leaves a ‘fragrance’ of hope on the hands of those that pick and gave them.
You know, it’s a little like giving a hug to a person; it’s a good feeling for the one who receives it and equally good for the person who gives it.
I always enjoy giving and receiving hugs as well.
Flowers, too, have always been a favorite of mine and communicate a feeling of care and kindness from one human being to another that is immeasurable.
Sharon’s bouquet spoke not a word but whispers love as it was given.
With the delivery of this small gift to our friend, we also extended our hope and a prayer that her medical journey be surrounded by love and comfort with many good results.
And best wishes always! ~ we love you!
