The Tulips Are Blooming

Amy's island bed,
January 14, 2009


I posted back in January about the day I spent at my friend Amy's, planting Ivory Floradale tulips in her memory. A trip to Enchanted Forest this past Friday, a nursery where we spent many happy hours together shopping for plants and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, left me tired, dispirited and missing Amy badly. So I had to work to persuade myself I should continue on to her garden to check on the tulips' progress and do some spring cleaning in her front beds. Even as I drove down her street, I told myself I wasn't going to stay. But the sight that greeted me in front of her house changed my mind.

Amy's island bed,
February 27, 2009

I ended up spending a couple of hours there, tidying up the beds along the curbs and visiting with Amy's husband Ken. He was particularly delighted that the tulips were blooming in time for their granddaughter's baptism on Sunday, so the family would be able to see and enjoy them afterwards. When I left there late Friday afternoon, it was with a lighter heart, thankful that I was able to be there and see for myself that Amy's spirit lives on in her garden and in the family and friends who loved her.

Comments

Kathy said…
I feel like I am learning lessons in grieving from you. Thank you for sharing Amy's garden with us.
How wonderful that her family will enjoy the fruits of your hard work on their special occasion. They look beautiful.
glad you shared the blooms with us as a continuation of her story. You are still being a wonderful friend.
MA said…
Hey Girlfriend! Those tulips are wonderful. So thoughtful. If anything ever happens to me, I've told them to call you....
Anonymous said…
Very nice, Cindy. I'm glad you loved her so much. What a wonderful friendship you must have had.~~Dee
EAL said…
Looking at this image again, I see now how lovely the house behind the flowers is. White tulips are probably the best.
Carol Michel said…
The white tulips are beautiful, a lovely remembrance of Amy. Her family will certainly enjoy them, too.
What a beautiful post and a graceful and glorious memorial to a dear friend:)
Cindy, MCOK said…
As I said in a post after Amy died, death ends a life, but not a relationship. I hope I can honor our friendship this way for many years to come.
vbdb said…
I love what you said about death ending a life but not a relationship. Sorry to be late reading the post, but the timing was perfect for me - what a huge help to me to read your post about losing your friend Amy just as I'm processing feelings about Madalene. Thank you so much for your post (and your comment on mine.) Delighted we'll both be in Chicago.
Gail said…
Cindy, The sight of Amy's garden bench surrounded by lovely white tulips filled my heart...I am sending you hugs...I know you miss your friend. gail