Unexpected blooms

Long time readers know that I’m mostly a cheerful, positive person. But the past couple of weeks have thrown some sadness my way, to where I haven’t felt like being my enthusiastic self.

In fact, Wednesday morning, I had to call my best friend Stacey after attending a viewing of another friend, Gina, from my church.

Gina was just a couple of years older than me. I couldn’t stop the tears. Nor could I halt the feelings of regret that washed over me. I hadn’t visited Gina in the hospital when I had the chance.

I told Stacey that I just didn’t know how I was going to continue going about my day. I knew I had a lot of work ahead, including an online meeting later that afternoon. I couldn’t imagine talking to anyone or even attempting a smile.

When I woke up earlier that morning, I had prayed for God to comfort Gina’s family and friends, help me, and give me some strength. By 11 a.m., after returning home from the viewing, I felt numb and empty.

While I was still on my back deck, I smelled what I thought was lilacs in my neighborhood. I remembered that scent from Monday. It made me wonder, was it lilacs, or could my lily of the valley be in bloom already at the front of my house? Due to our rainy Tuesday, I hadn’t checked.

Lily of the valley is my favorite flower, and it was my mother’s favorite flower, too. I was thrilled when we moved into our house 27 years ago to see lily of the valley already along the front of our home. I couldn’t wait to see them bloom the following May. I was delighted when they popped up right around Mother’s Day, which is when they’ve continued to appear ever since.

When Mom died three years ago, I quietly asked God if He could show me a sign that she was okay. And for the first time ever, I was able to smell the lily of the valley from my own backyard in early May. I’d never been able to detect it from that distance before. I knew this was my sign.

I decided to walk up to see if they were in bloom Wednesday, April 30. There’s no way, I thought. I’d never seen them bloom that early. I gasped in delight when I saw that, yes, many of them were indeed blooming – and their scent washed over me. I was in awe. Why were they so early?

Photo provided by Amy Shankland

Then I smiled. I knew why they were early. God had moved my mother into action to bring me comfort. She knew I’d need to see – and smell – our favorite flower earlier than normal. This time, I had to wipe away tears of joy.

As I type, I’m looking at and smelling my favorite flowers. I shared some with my friend Evelyn when she came over for lunch Wednesday – and we had a marvelous time. I went on to get so much done that day with a smile on my face and a lighter heart.

I’m done beating myself up. I’ve already marked my calendar to see how Gina’s husband is doing in a couple of weeks. I’ve learned my lesson to always reach out to the ones I love, and visit if possible, if they’re going through a struggle.

Thank you, Mom, for these unexpected blooms. You’re still helping me, even from Heaven.

Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.