Often in life, we move blithely along as if our circumstances and relationships will always be the same. We count on loved ones and dear friends always being there with us to share our journeys. It’s comforting to know they’re there and that, whenever we need to, we can reach them. It’s also gratifying to realize they count on and need us, too.

Occasionally, we remember to tell these special people how much we care and what a difference they make in our lives. If we forget to share our feelings, we console ourselves with the thought that tomorrow or the next day offers us another opportunity to do so. Always another time when we can say what’s in our hearts.

There comes a day, however, much too soon, when there isn’t another time. Individuals pass away, and suddenly it’s too late. Too late ever again to hear their familiar voices and laughter, see their beloved faces, give them a hug, seek their advice, or simply enjoy their company. Oh, to have just one more chance to be with them!

If you have words of love or praise you wish to give someone special in your life, don’t let a day go by without doing so. This day, today, might be your very last chance. Tell them how you feel — right now!

Cherish the moments with others while they’re still here. In the future, you’ll look back on these times and be glad.

In grateful memory of dear friends who blessed my life and have now passed on: Bernie, Pat, Jeanne, Helen, Norm, Sally, Jon, Jeannie, Rick, Gracia.

Once again this year, as in each of the past nine Springs, one red flower and one white flower have appeared together on the trillium plant in my front yard. Just in time for Easter and my special memory of Sunday morning, April 16, 2017 (see below).

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The Sign of the Trillium

Uppermost in my mind during these past weeks of Lent has been a vivid memory from the day my beloved father passed away — Easter Sunday morning, 2017.

I will never forget the amazing gift of assurance that God provided to me that Sunday morning: two three-petal flowers (one pure white, the other dark red) suddenly appearing on the trillium plant that Dad had set out in the yard many years before.

Those sweet little wildflowers (photo above), nestled under the shade of a hicks yew bush north of the driveway, were just waiting to be found. Had it only been the dark red flower springing up from the bed of English ivy, this sign of hope could easily have been missed; but the pure white flower set off by that lush sea of green could never have been overlooked. It stood out as a shining beacon! Coincidence that both blossoms would just happen to appear right before my eyes on the morning of my father’s passing? I don’t think so!

Perfectly timed for Easter, the red trillium was a beautiful reminder of the redeeming blood of Christ; the white trillium, of His glorious resurrection and the promise of eternal life.

Blooming there in the yard, side-by-side, on that very day, those two little flowers were also a powerful sign for me that the reunion I was hoping and praying my parents were enjoying was indeed taking place. A “God-sign” that I believe was sent to assure me that my father had awakened in Heaven that Easter Sunday morning, and my mother was right there to greet him. She had been waiting for him for 14 years. Inseparable in life, now together again at last, they were safe and secure in God’s loving arms. An undeniable feeling of peace eased my questioning, aching heart that morning. The memory still comforts me today.

I’ll never forget the sign of the trillium.

* The beautiful photograph of the trillium flowers was taken by good friend and Master Gardener Linda McMullen. So grateful, Linda.

“For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth . . . ”
– Song of Solomon 2:11-12 KJV

Dear Friends,

Post yesterday’s drenching rainstorms, it is now so beautiful outside that I am feeling moved to wax eloquent!

Think about it! Every single Spring, without fail, we are treated to this glorious scene. Lush, green, colorful.

All of the growing things in our midst suddenly awakening and bursting into bloom, every flower and every tree true to its own individual self. Daffodils are, and will always be, daffodils; tulips will always be tulips; magnolia trees will always be magnolia trees. Forsythia bushes are, and will always be, forsythias. We can count on it. Year after year after year.

Such a predictable and unwavering transformation is remarkable, and yet not, for we know that God’s plan and His creations are perfect.

He loves us, my friends, and His love never changes nor ends. Case in point: His annual gift of Spring.

Let us celebrate the season!

Mary