The Clematis that climbs the trellis on our front porch always blooms around Father’s Day.
We’ve been in this house for nearly 29 years. We planted the clematis sometime in the early years, so it’s been gracing our front porch in mid-to-late June every year for about a quarter of a century. Some years, we pruned it too much. Some years not at all. It always comes back with its pretty purple blooms, year after year.
The Clematis serves as a sign, for me, in many ways. It marks this time of year and the days that fall right around now - Father’s Day, our middle child’s birthday, the first day of summer. It reminds me of my dad in many ways. Often we’d gather at our house on or around Father’s Day since we’d celebrate our son’s birthday at the same time. We have lots of pictures from these gatherings. So much love. So many memories.
We ride the waves of memories, of the seasons, of time, of love, of loss, of grief, of hope.
We hold our departed loved ones in our hearts and in our memories.
***
I suppose I don’t have anything profound to say today.
This weekend we celebrated our son’s birthday and Father’s Day with my husband.
I took time appreciating the purple flowers of the clematis.
I took time looking at pictures from this same weekend over the years.
I took time thinking about my dad, dearly loved and dearly missed.
Somehow it all meshed together in my mind.
A deep appreciation for all that has been, for all that is, and for all that’s yet to come. Maybe that’s the profound thought, after all - appreciation.
***
As far as seasons go, this is a very busy season in my work life. And so I’ll keep this post short.
What do I hope for us these days?
I hope that we see each other, truly.
Our loved ones, yes.
And also the server at the restaurant and the cashier at the grocery store and the man who stands at the stoplight everyday most of the day just watching traffic go by.
I’ve been trying to practice what I wrote about last week. Less assuming and more admiring.
I loved all the comments that readers shared last week. We’re in this together. We’re better together. I appreciate you.
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Mary