Peruvian Cactus

Alan’s Birthday was yesterday, and he would have been 75… but he made it to 74 and we are grateful.

My younger son, and daughter in law with our grandbaby Joaquin spent the morning at my little abode, that holds so many memories.

We shed some tears and ate some food, played with toys, and reminisced. It wasn’t the easiest thing, but it was a beautiful thing.

Here is something Alan wrote, and I edited in April 2014. We made a good team.

Recently my son Matthew shared a cutting taken from a Peruvian Cactus. It had the appearance of a lifeless, prickly green log and we both wondered if it would take root in the beautiful, blue pot we planted it in. There was no root system, no visible means of support and yet we were hopeful and expectant. In reality, the cactus was about to teach me a very important life lesson.

I was raised on a ranch and am a gardener at heart…and I’m used to planting, watering, and watching things grow. I made the decision to love and nourish this odd, log-like thing by feeding it cactus food and placing it in direct sunlight. I never gave up hope.

One morning last week, what appeared to be a single tiny flower bud burst from the cactus cutting. Each morning after, I was amazed to see the growth that had taken place the night before. The bud grew a stem that became longer and larger, an anomaly on an otherwise barren shape. It came to life through some invisible force of nature, and I was amazed.

When I woke up this morning, I saw the true gift and lesson the cactus was teaching. What appeared to be a closed bud, blossomed into a beautiful flower overnight, while I was sleeping.

Here is the lesson I learned from the cactus. What may appear to be lifeless and of no value, will blossom if it is loved and nourished…be it person, relationship, business, or a cactus. There is unseen potential in everything and sometimes when we are not watching, it blooms. Don’t ever give up hope.

With Love,

Marylou and Alan, in spirit.

Happy Birthday, my friend.

And so, we go…

“whisper”

Share your heart and share your love with the world. It will heal your soul. Do not allow any physical pain to distract you from this path.

Yes, it is not always easy…but as you know, truly worthwhile endeavors are not always easy.