13/05/2024
When I went to pick up flowers to complete this weekend's pieces, the cashier dropped these roses right on their heads. This would usually be unacceptable. While roses are generally hearty, rose petals bruise easily and can become detached from the stem by the pressure, causing them fall apart when the package is opened. The woman looked at me face stricken, apology in her eyes. They were the only bunch left in the store this color.
"I think they're OK still," She says hopefully.
I checked them over and found them bruised but not broken. I explained that they were just fine. They were intended for a grave. A few bruised petals would not be noticed. I'm sure there is metaphor here, each of us mothers damaged in some way but not too noticeably so. Bruised, maybe a little broken, but still beautiful.
On Mother's Days past, I'd make Mom and Grandma corsages to wear to church. I'd take Mom flowers. It hurts to take flowers to their graves instead. The kids painted rocks, and my sisters and I went to the cemetery to place them and her wreath.
Happy Mother's Day to all. Mothers and children navigating loss and grief, I'm especially thinking of you.
