Growing up my parents loved planting flowers.
Living in a parsonage in Queens, NY they didn't have much space to plant many flowers, but they sure knew how to fill that little space with beautiful flowers.
One year, when I was a little girl I wanted to help.
But being a little girl, I think I got in the way more than I helped.
I wanted my own little garden.
My own little space.
My father patiently walked me over to this little area under the hedges that
separated our yard from the neighbors behind us.
He told me this could be my garden and
handed me a package of seeds and showed me how to plant them.
I carefully watered my seeds daily.
I talked to them daily.
I looked carefully every day for some sign of life.
And surprise, surprise, tiny little seedlings started popping up through the dirt in my little garden under the hedges in our house in Queens, NY.
I was so happy.
And you know what?
Every year those flowers came back!
Even the spring before I got married, those little flowers made their appearance.
The seeds he gave me were for Lily of the Valley flowers.
They stand for "Return of Happiness."
Every spring those flowers would return and we could see those flowers as
we sat at the kitchen table eating our meals.
Well, at least I always noticed them.
And I think my dad did also.
Thinking of those flowers now, they fill me with happiness.
Happiness for a father taking time out of his busy day to show
his little girl how to plant seeds,
but more importantly happiness knowing
how much this little girl was loved by her father.
Liesa says
What a precious and wonderful memory Lois! 🙂
Miss Debbie says
Such a sweet story and a precious memory of a special time with your father. It is also a beautiful picture of faithfulness, don't you think? Those little flowers coming back year after year, blooming in the same little place(under the hedges)to bless you... a reminder of your earthly father's love and your Heavenly Father's love.We know God is faithful, sounds like your dad was, too!
Carmen C. says
How awesome, I love lily of the valley, they smell so wonderful!!! In response to your comment, NO, we didn't get the property for 10, 000. we offered 10,000. less than the asking price, I *wish* it were only that much, it could be paid off by now, LOL! Enjoy your day:)
At Home With Amy says
I think I'm gonna cry Lois. That was a beautiful story.
Have a lovely day.
AMY
Chatty Crone says
That was a wonderful story about the love between a father and his daughter. Value it - not everyone has that memory. I like that he taught you something good - that will last!
sandie♥
Christine says
That so touching! I love the lily of the valley flowers.
The first I tried to grow when a child in a little rock garden were primroses and when I see them it takes me back! Fond memories are so precious!
Blessings for a great week
Christine
Cat Nap Inn Primitives says
I think they are pretty..but boy do they spread...I tried digging them out last year and I have more this year....:)thank you for telling me the name of them..;)
Linda C says
what a beautiful story of your father's love for you, Lois! So sweet! And the Lily of the Valley is so pretty!! I didn't realize it would return each year.
Thanks for sharing this precious story that is so close to your heart.
Have a great weekend:)
Linda
Loretta says
What a sweet memory to have of your Father.
Linda says
Oh how sweet a story. I love Lilly of the Valley. I was at a friends last week and she has some growing. She loves them and even though they don't grow great in the south, they grow.