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.
There Is No Place Like Home says
Lois, I love this story! How sweet, it reminds me of my dad and the little things he did for me...thank you for sharing!
Beautiful pear tree lane says
Hi Lois,
What a beautiful memory, it rekindled one of mine, as my dear grandmother did something similar for me, they were zinnas, and to this day I plant them each year. I always love it when you tell stories of your Father, as I was so close to mine as well. Beautiful post.
Thank you for visiting and for taking the time to leave me such a sweet comment.I am so glad to be able to visit again
Enjoy your weekend.
Hugs,
Sue
Nellie's Cozy place says
Hi Lois,
Good to see you post, and what a sweet and precious story about your daddy. He sounds like a wonderful man. Sweet that he was so patient and loving!!
I think lily of the valley are so lovely, and sweet looking. Don't they smell really sweet as well.
I have never actually smelled any, or seen them only in pictures.
Hope you are doing well Sweetie,
Have a good weekend,
Blessings Galore,
nellie
Jennifer says
How precious - every year "return of happiness" came up again! Such a precious memory..
Elena says
What a beautiful story! I had my own little secrect garden when I was a young girl and it brought me so much pleasure. I just Lilly of the Valley flowers!
LDH says
A most precious post! I am smiling all over!
Loretta says
I'll bet they are still blooming back in Queens. You have inspired me to go out this morning and plant some seeds. I don't have Lily of the Valley so Cosmos will have to do. Thank you for sharing. You have blessed us all with this beautiful story. Hugs
Lianne says
Those flowers are beautiful. What a special gift for a father to give his daughter! I am so thankful for the times I worked planting seeds with my Daddy when I was a little girl, too. Have a great weekend, friend!
Debbie says
Oh I LOVED this sweet story. Your right, it is a wonderful reminder (year after year) of the love your daddy had for you, AND the faithfulness of God AND His great love for you too. Just doesn't get much better. Have a wonderful week-end...HUGS
A Hint of Home says
What beautiful memories you will always have. The love of a father is not forgotten.
Thanks for sharing such a sweet memory.