I see signs everywhere. And this was one of them!
We thought our rose plant had come to the end of its natural life. It had been failing for some time and put out only one or two blossoms a year, one often in January or February. So a couple of weeks ago, we chopped it down to the roots and were getting ready to throw out what was left in the pot.
But after a couple of days, something wonderful happened.
Our little rose started to sprout, and grew rapidly. And then, on the day that I was cycling for the Great Cycle Challenge Canada on Kick Cancers Butt day, I awoke to it in full bloom . . . and it had such a beautiful fragrant aroma.
That beautiful blossom reminded me that even in dark times, when things look hopeless, there can be hope and healing and renewal.
This little plant did need some help though, as it reached for the sunlight through the railings of our shady apartment balcony. It was still fragile… almost falling under the weight of its own blossom. So my husband propped it up with a windfall branch and it looks great!
And, of course, I must continue to care for it.
“It’s the time you spent on your rose that makes your rose so important…People have forgotten this truth, but you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible forever for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
I can enjoy that lovely blossom for a few more days. And when it begins to fade, maybe I’ll pick the petals and infuse them in jojoba oil, to use on my skin, or in a jar of honey for a delicious topping. This is a gift that will continue to give.
I am cycling for the Great Cycle Challenge until August 31, 2020, and this is my fifth year. If you wish to support this cause — to end kids’ cancers — click here to donate via my sponsorship page, or go to https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/Riders/DellaRatcliffe.
Beautiful <3