Wildflowers

Slow Down. Take Time.

It’s eight months today since my sister’s funeral. On that day, I handed out packets of seeds for people to scatter in her memory. It was the wrong season to do this, really, seeing as we were heading into winter, and there is a decisive lack of new growth. In fact, there is more a distinct dying back of things, which will, in time, leave space for new growth.

Something got me thinking today though. One of Kiri’s (my sister) best friends came over from Derby. He has a narrow boat on the canal up there, and they sowed the seeds up there on the bank of the canal. He told me that they’re all coming up, but have yet to bloom. I wonder how many people scattered those seeds, and I wonder how many of them have come up. I hope it’s a lot. I hope that those flowers grow big and strong and cover small patches of the landscape with some beauty.

My sister always loved seeing the verges and roundabouts bursting with the colour of wild flowers. It brought true joy to her, and her smile completely lit up. I remember that smile as clear as day. I wish I could see it again, but that’s something that can’t happen, so I now have to look for those flowers and smile for her.

It was such a small thing, but to her, it really brightened her day. It made me think about all those people who rush around and quite possibly never even notice those flowers. That makes me sad. I can’t imagine going through life, never stopping to see those flowers.

My sister wasn’t perfect, and she was one of the first people to admit it, but I think that in this small thing, she got it right, so I’m laying down a challenge to anyone who reads this:

Next time you see some flowers, stop for a moment. Look at them, and truly see their beauty. If anyone wants to take some pictures and leave them in the responses, it would mean the world to me. Tag them: Kiris Wildflowers so I know they’re there. 🙂

I hope you have a blessed and happy day.