For Tina Downey
In honor of our friend and fellow wordsmith, Tina Downey, bloggers will be gathering sunflowers and posting them today.
I was browsing the internet, looking for a perennial I could plant and enjoy year after year as a reminder of Tina's joy, zest, and wonderful attitude.
I found a Maximillian Sunflower from Gurney's that promises to grow, bloom, and spread one season after another. And as a bonus, it's supposed to be hardy and thrive in poor soil with almost no attention.
Just like a good friendship.
I was excited to find something so perfect! I'd have a flower to post today and enjoy later.
What I got wasn't a plant but this:
A hideous tangle of roots.
Great, I thought. Everyone else will have pretty flowers...I have roots.
But then I remembered a Sunday school lesson.
To teach children about resurrection, I'd buy marigold seeds.
I'd ask the kids if they looked alive...or even like a flower.
They all agreed, the seeds were dead.
Then we'd plant them, water them, give them sun and soon they had a shoot and later a bloom.
In death, we don't always see the potential. That the human body is simply a seed for something better; something eternal.
So, I will plant my roots and know...next summer they will grow and smile down on me.
And I will think of Tina....
A college fund has been set up in Tina's honor for her children. If you could help, no matter how big, or how small, it's appreciated. Tina Downey College Fund
A great lesson to remember Tina.
ReplyDeleteIf not for the rain I had lately mine would have done the same.
What a beautiful tribute, it brought a tear to my eye. Tina would have loved this as much as had it spouted yellow.
ReplyDeleteA lesson for us all to remember, when they bloom next year you will think of Tina.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of planting a perennial. I think Tina would have loved this, roots and all.
ReplyDeleteThat's beautiful, Elizabeth. I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Tina but I'm sure she'd have loved this xx
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, that is really touching. Tina would've been just as excited about those roots.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute, hope your roots become lovely flowers.
ReplyDeletelol well at least something took root. Great tribute
ReplyDeleteAn excellent point about seeds and roots. True beauty and brilliance are usually anchored in something stronger, deeper, something we often can't see....
ReplyDeleteMadeline @ The Shellshank Redemption
You know I tease you, but you really do rock :)
ReplyDeleteLove your choice of words and can't wait to see how the roots/seeds turn out next summer...
(You will, of course, let us know in 2 years :)
Roots will grow and Tina is smiling... thank you for being part and sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteJeremy
Tina would have loved this. Your roots are perfect.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing post. Roots do indeed grow. Thanks for that inspiration! A lovely way to remember Tina.
ReplyDeleteThis was wonderfully said, and while it'll take time, we all know those roots are going to blossom into something truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a beautiful tribute Elizabeth. Well said. Love that lesson.
ReplyDeleteI'd be surprised too, if I got a ball of roots like that. But it's an inspiring thought that one day you'll have a lovely flower growing from those!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to preserve her memory. And I'll keep that lesson n mind for future use (if you don't mind.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful way to preserve her memory. And I'll keep that lesson n mind for future use (if you don't mind.)
ReplyDeleteThis was so touching, Elizabeth. And a wonderful lesson. I can sure see the beauty and life in those roots, and I know Tina would, too.
ReplyDeleteYou wrote such a beautiful and meaningful tribute. I like the message you conveyed and the comparison between roots and friendship, etc. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a message Liz. I'm certain Tina would have loved it. Maybe she does.
ReplyDeleteTina would have appreciated the thoughtfulness, and when those flowers bloom you'll have beautiful memory of her.
ReplyDeleteI love this tribute. Can't wait to see the flowers bloom!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful message!
ReplyDeleteYou have an entire year ahead, and as you look forward to next summer, and think about the sunflowers that still have to bloom, Tina will remain uppermost in your memory...
What a wonderful way of prolonging the memory...
Life is good!
You'll have to share it with us next time! Really nice post.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Heather
A beautiful and touching memorial with a great lesson.
ReplyDeleteYour post is a touching tribute to wonderful, kind lady.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and sweet tribute. Those roots will lead to beautiful blossoms, I am sure. I've seen it while gardening.
ReplyDeleteSo sweet. You'll think of her every time you see those flowers!
ReplyDeleteYour sentiment inspires, as does Tina Downey. Thanks for underscoring that point, Elizabeth. Her blossoming spirit is perennial.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute. Thanks for the project too.
ReplyDeleteAll good things take time! I think this was beautiful, Liz. And what a surprise it will be when beauty springs next year… So lovely!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see a pic of them next year!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteAww, those roots will turn out so sweet.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great Sunday school lesson. I like how it ties the flowers to Tina. :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute to Tina.
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome - your flowers are going to be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThey sound like my kind of plant, since I really suck at gardening and have a terrible talent for killing off plants.
They will bloom next year just in time for Tina's anniversary! What a lovely story about you and your quest to find a flower for Tina. Can't wait to see what the sunflowers will look like...
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I can't comment on your latest two posts, but I have read them! And I didn't realise I could post my shelfie post until Oct 6th. Better get on that! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth .. I bet that tangle will sprout furiously next year - but what will it produce .. but the idea of marigolds ... great idea too .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI love that the fun is set up for her kids. I think Tina is happy and optimistic as ever, but it's the ones who are left behind you have to worry about.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful lesson! That tangle of roots will be a lasting memory for Tina. I'll have to look those up. We don't have favorable soil here, yet sunflowers grow along the roads at the end of summer.
ReplyDelete