I saw purple peeking out from my neighbors’ flower bed and had to go check it out. I found a small bunch of gorgeous pasque flowers worshipping the sun. This one was my favorite; isn’t she stunning?
For those of you not in the Midwest, let me explain what a miracle this is. Never in my life do I remember trees budding, grass greening and flowers in full bloom this early in the spring. First of all, we had no snow in March for the first time in 150+ years. We usually get at least one huge snow storm in mid- to late- March. But we got nothing. Nada.
Instead, we got warm, beautiful sunshine. Day after day. I mean, my kids have been wearing shorts for the past week! And, to top it all off, flowers like this are blooming all over the city. Daffodils! Tulips! Apple blossoms! It’s like being a kid who’s been counting the days until Christmas, and then being told it’s arrived way early! Imagine the excitement! Every day lately, I wake up, look out the window and truly tingle with delight from my head to my toes at the sight of spring in full bloom. Every extra day of spring we’re getting is such a glorious gift. I hope every single day – wherever you are – feels just as rich and wonderful.
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Note: After I wrote the post above, I went to add the headline and realized it’s April 6th, the anniversary of my grandpa’s passing 22 years ago. I hadn’t thought about the date last night, when I strongly felt his presence as I rocked my toddler to sleep. I felt him there so strongly that I kept straining my eyes in the dark, wondering if I might just see him standing there. I’m sure it sounds unusual or spooky to some, but I know my grandpa’s been with me all these 22 years. Though we only shared a short time on this earth together, I always felt like our souls matched. Sometimes I still feel him nearby, sometimes I smell the scent of his cologne in an empty room, sometimes a song comes on the radio that I just know he orchestrated. Before he died of cancer, I asked if he would be my guardian angel. He agreed and now, I suspect he still feels obligated to pop in from time to time. Every time he does, it is such a comfort.
My toddler still says very few words, but adores the song Baa Baa Black Sheep. I usually sing songs to him as I rock him to sleep, but tonight – while I felt my grandpa’s soothing presence in the nursery - my little guy decided to serenade me. His little baby voice just kept singing “baa baa baa baa” – piercing through the night air in perfect pitch. It struck me that kept singing the same word over and over – baa baa baa baa – with no attempt at other sounds. For that’s exactly what I called my grandpa: Baba. To me, it was like a little symbol of validation that he was, and always is, just a sweet breath away.
Liv, what a beautiful post celebrating…life! I got goosebumps reading about how Baba is with you, and especially how he enveloped you and Tru as you rocked him to sleep. There is no beauty more pure than that. What a blessing and a comfort his presence is. Thank you for sharing the beauty of this precious moment with us.
Hey Liv, I really relate to what you said about your Grandpa! Me too, he was a dear man that I miss everyday. He's been gone for 18 years —- which is really hard to believe! Have a great day and enjoy our early spring, although I think we might be getting rain today.
Well, I'm in a puddle. Wanted you to know that here in Santa Fe I'm not into the date so much, but this morning during my ACIM meditation, I felt him sitting beside me. Told him I loved him. Hours later read this reminder of your experience and the anniversary of his passing. What a gift he is in our lives. Love, Mom
My Dearest Liv-er
How wonderful of you not only to remember Baba's passing, but to memoralize it in such a splendid manner. I was acutely aware of the date and therefore took the day off so Nana and I could go to lunch (outside)and share a few hours of our fondest and most comical stories of your truly one of kind Baba. Naturally, your Nana and I had to cap the afternoon off by stopping by Greater's Ice Cream Parlor (Oprah's absolute favorite) to share a couple of scoops of Butter Pecan ice cream (Nana and Baba's favorite). It's a beautiful day for all of us and Nana is having a marvelous time. She's so happy not be alone today. Plus, it's mid 80's for the 5 th day in a row and nature is in full bloom. Thanks for sharing your beautiful day with all of us. We love you, Uncle Ken – Aunt Karen – & of course Nana
Ooh, I just love pasque flowers! We always know it's officially spring here in SD when the pasque flowers are out. We're behind a little this year–still getting cold spells and flurries, but I can smell spring in the air…
Loved your words about your Baba. My grandma passed a little over a year ago now, and I still miss her so much..but every once in a while, I feel closer to her now than I did in some of her final days, when she was slipping away. She definitely isn't gone, I know that much!