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| cherry tree in bloom April 2024 |
Today I went for a walk outside and discovered that spring has arrived. I hadn’t noticed sooner that our Kwanzan cherry tree is in full bloom. I hadn’t noticed sooner that the big lilac bush is on the verge of blooming. I hadn’t seen until today that the neighbor’s dogwood tree looks stunning. Suddenly today there is evidence that it is time for tiny children to learn how to ride tiny bicycles.
I don’t know yet if this is a break in my recent pattern. In the last week of February, I was energetic enough to get myself to walk (inside, on the treadmill) every day. I was successful, for about a week, at engaging in this healthier practice. Then my aunt died, and that exercise effort ceased. There was just so much to do and at the same time so much to process in my head and heart.
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| Bleeding heart. So delicate. |
My aunt would have loved a day like today. She was by vocation an artist, especially in watercolor painting. She thrived on noticing color, shape, and line. Her go-to phrase was “Absolutely wonderful!” which is how she would have described today.
We weren’t expecting my aunt to depart so soon. She had been quite ill, but I really thought she would turn the corner. Earlier in the year, she said, “I’m planning to make it to 90 years old.” I thought she would, but she missed it by a few weeks. My last words to her were, “I love you, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” And she replied, "Wonderful!" I had planned to drive to see her the next day, but it was not to be. Instead, we made the trip to the funeral home.
I have conflicting emotions I am working through. And a whole lot of estate tasks I am working through. I was glad to have some moments today to leave all that behind and enjoy the flowers and warm air.
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| Lilac bush ready to bloom |
