A note from Barb

As a child, my mother always took me to Sunday school. It was customary at our church to give each child a pansy on Mother’s Day to give their mother. This tradition continued over the years and even after I left home I would continue to give my mother pansies. Sometimes it would be in the form of the actual flowers, other times it would be a coffee mug, thank you notes, stationery and even an afghan with pansies woven into it. It was a personal connection between us that nurtured old memories and cultivated new ones.

When I had my own home and flower garden, pansies were always tucked into a cool corner. I had to hand water them and always thought about Mama when tending to my garden. I didn’t get my pansies planted the spring that my mother took a turn for the worse as I wanted to spend as much time as I could with her. Although her death was anticipated it happened unexpectedly. I was devastated and heartbroken. I woke up the next morning not knowing how I would make it through the day. As I looked out the window at my unplanted flower garden I saw pansies blooming! The plants had survived the winter. What a blessing from the Lord. He knew 50 years ago, with the giving (seed) of the first pansy, that this would be the peace and comfort I would need in my time of sorrow.

My mother died nine years ago on April 30th. My heart was heavy as I got up Friday morning and prepared to go to the women’s retreat. I adore my mother and still miss her. I didn’t share my feelings with anyone but God knew. After the drive to the retreat I decided I wanted a cup of coffee and went upstairs to get it. I gasped and stopped in my tracks as I looked at the tables. There, just for me (or so I felt), was a field of pansies and God’s assurance that He cares for my broken heart and will continue to comfort me until the day I’m reunited with my Mother.

My thanks to you, Pam, for all the time and effort it took to plant all those little pots of pansies. Their smiling faces lifted my spirit and once again reminded me how great our God is.

With love and gratitude,

Barbara