Neal came inside from my garden and told me the most beautiful red rose was in full bloom. He planted this rose bush last year, and I really don’t remember it blooming. I went out to see it and decided since we were having storms, I would bring it in for the Easter weekend. The color was breathtaking.
Now those of you that know me, know I am not a fan of red roses. I love every other color in the rainbow but red. My mother loves them, as this was the first flower my dad gave her when they were dating.
For her, and everyone else in the world, they represent love. So, you are thinking—why does Phyllis not like red roses?
Red roses were the flower of choice when there were sad occasions. Funeral sprays, surgeries, and somber events. Yes, I know Valentine’s Day is not sad, but my first glimmer as a child was this huge spray at my grandmother’s funeral. Now I am talking about that black-red rose that was the order of the day. It’s funny how we remember things like that from our childhood.
In my garden are many shades of pink, coral, and yellow roses, along with many other flowers that I adore. Each has its own personality and color, making each of them a star.
Back to this red rose. The color of this rose is vibrant, and the rose has a zillion petals. It was standing alone in the garden in all its glory when I brought it inside. As each day of the Easter weekend passed, I found myself really loving this fabulous rose. It almost became my symbol of hope for our country, as I watched the reports of the virus and the uncertainty people are facing everywhere.
Hope—that is what me must all continue to have. Hope that the cure will come quickly, that lives will be saved, businesses will be protected so jobs will go on, health care workers will have strength, and that families who have had loss will be comforted in some small way.
I thank God for the red rose Neal planted. The timing of the perfect bloom and the reminder of hope that it brought to me was treasured. Please have hope today. We are all struggling in many ways. We don’t have answers or solutions, but hope will keep us going.
Love you all so much, and know that we are all in this together.