A Dad’s Love of Flowers, Plants, and Me

I’m always impressed and excited when I see a new leaf growing in my plant pot. The pot itself is a huge and heavy old clay pot that I don’t move around very much, unless I shove the trunk that holds the plant, a Philodendron. (The huge trunk carried some Television Awareness Training videos from long long ago when I spoke to groups about teaching children and adults to not watch too much TV). The trunk is another old thing that I hate to get rid of.

But on to the story of my Dad’s love and sweetness. When I was a freshman in college at Eastern Mennonite College (now University) my Mom and Dad brought me to the college and then we proceeded to shop downtown in Harrisonburg–which at that time had many dime stores (do you remember downtown dime stores?) No malls–wait a minute, I haven’t been in a mall in eons. Things change, right?

Anyway. When we were shopping my Dad looked at a plant in one of the stores and decided to buy one for my dorm room at EMC. How precious! He thought the room needed brightening. And it did! I had only brought along a few items to college because I didn’t know how to plan for a small room, or what I could bring. I did bring along a blanket or two, a pillow, some clothes, a jacket or coat, and a coffee pot. I felt pretty grown up.

The Philodendron began to grow and spread and I loved it. Over the years, I had to get bigger pots (and eventually really heavy pots) to tote my pot from room to room.

Then my junior year I got to spend in Spain, but I wasn’t sure who would take care of my Philodendron. I asked a friend if she would be willing and she was happy to do so.

Years passed, and that plant grew and kept me happy. Until it didn’t. I had not done my duty in keeping after it. You know? But late this summer I decided it was time to clean out the pot (along with several other house plants) and do more diligence for these plants.

Finally, just these past couple weeks, when I stared at the Philodendron, it seemed to be launching a small new growth. I was scared and figured it would not grow. It would just shrink again.

But eureka! It is now responding and (keeping my fingers crossed), expanding and I am almost ecstatic.

I’m thinking my Dad is out there urging it on. My heart still warms–even as I write this. We loved him for more than his love of flowers.

Hugs to Dads everywhere who love pretty plant things.

***

What are your memories about your Dad or Mom (if you are old like me)?

Can you see the very small leaves launching at the bottom? They are growing every day!

How can we be growing, as well?