Unexpected Daffodils

An amazing thing, well actually some amazing things showed up in our daffodil bed this evening.About a week ago I wrote an article concerning the one solitary daffodil that has managed to bloom year after year. It was my way of dealing with both, disappointment in only one bloom and rejoicing in the wonder of one bloom. This evening, having returned from an afternoon celebration of our granddaughter's fourth birthday at her Dad's home in Red Bud, I happened to look out the front door of our home at the daffodil, still in beautiful full bloom. Yet, much to my surprise, there in the circle of previously 'bloomless' daffodil plants, were a half dozen beautiful, somewhat smaller daffodil blooms proudly pushing their yellow blossoms skyward.

Calling for Nancy to join me in inspecting the newest and most unexpected blooms in the circle, we hurried down the walk towards the daffodils. They were beautiful, delicate in size and intense in color, yet lighter in shade than the solitary daffodil which had once stood stoically amidst the green of daffodil plants. Now, surrounded by friends, our solitary daffodil seemed more stately, more proud, more full of color and strength . . . and Nancy and I marveled at how quickly the new blooms had appeared.

Then, reality set in: No wonder they were shorter, more delicate, and a lighter tinge of yellow . . . they are silk! Someone had taken pity on our solitary daffodil and gave it some friends, filling out the 'circle of life' with the modern day wonder of 'the kind of flowers that even Pastor Don could grow'. Silk. Nancy and I looked at them and laughed, grateful that someone trusted our sense of humor with a wonderful addition to our flower bed and humbled that someone thought enough of both our flower bed and my previous article concerning the daffodil that they took the time and effort necessary to purchase and 'plant' the companion daffodils. They are, to say the least, a generous gift of levity in a world mired down far to deeply in things which are not helpful. Silk daffodils could well save the day, if only we would listen to the message they offer.

We've decided to let them, planted as they are, in the circle of daffodils around our lamp post along the front walk. Maybe they will surprise others, even as they surprised Nancy and me. Still, even if no one else notices, we have noticed and they have made all the difference, both in our hearts and to our solitary daffodil who now has some friends, quiet though they may be. Tonight Nancy and I will go to bed cherishing the thought of our daffodil benefactor, for in the simple act of good humor and ingenious horticultural skill, you have reminded us there is a wider community of those who need not every answer or skill, but willingly and lovingly share the journey, wryly smiling where common sense leaves off and wonder takes over. Thank you.