What was the Plant(s)?
I was doing Home Care Nursing in Hospice. The patient had a large collection of different succulents that were dying from lack of attention by family members. So, I would turn the hose on the plot, on the days I was there. I noticed that many of the plants had dropped leaves or even just a leaf.
Who Gave it to You or to Whom Did You Pass it Along?
After gathering a leaf or a sprig of all the different succulents, I took the 'cast-offs' home and put them into a single pot by my back door. I was pleased to see them grow, as my patient was dying. I felt like I was keeping something alive that she had cared for a great deal.
When I needed to move from that house, I moved near where my younger brother lives. He was starting a rock garden with a few cacti. I saw the perfect place for the succulents. He had to break open the pot to divide them, they had all grown so much. He had about 25 different plants when he separated them out.
What Memories or Stories Surround This Plant?
Now, every time I drive up my brother's driveway and park my car, I see that special garden area and I remember that dear lady. Even though she was not conscious during her final weeks, many, many of her dear friends came to the house and I was privileged to hear their stories of her life. She had been very loving, kind, patient, generous, and intelligent through her life. She had loved those plants and I can feel -- in those plants -- that love that her friends felt for her. I see them flourish. I feel the love. And, I am happy to have passed it on to my brother.
Advice
- Don't be afraid to accept the gifts that are given by the plants themselves. When they drop their leaves, or have a runner that moves outside the bed, or even when a tiny tree sprouts in a pot that was meant just for flowers, don't be afraid to accept them. To me they are Mother Nature's sweet little gifts of love. If you can't use them, someone will come along who can. Just wait a while.
