7-23-2023 4:22am

Life and Beauty Triumph Over Adversity

Lesley Misko Editor

A cornflower emerges despite the odds.

by Allison Kelly

Allison Kelly reminds us it is worth investing in the belief that life and beauty can emerge despite the most challenging circumstances.

Part 1:

"Last year in early September I went out with my mobility scooter and sprinkled some wildflower seeds at various locations.

My father said they would never grow because I wasn't preparing the soil, watering them, etc. But I couldn't do any of those things because I am not physically able to. I put the seeds along the edge of the gravel parking lot close to buildings where Dad wouldn't mow.

This spring while I was in the hospital for 6 weeks Dad discovered a few of my wildflowers actually were blooming! He took this picture of a cornflower. I so wish I had been home to discover them myself. Dad says a black-eyed susan is now blooming at the same spot. If we ever stop having thunderstorms and the humidity lowers a bit, I'll take my scooter out and see for myself! Maybe Tuesday..."

Part 2:

"On Tuesday afternoon the humidity level was finally low enough so I could go out with my mobility scooter and drive on our property to see anything blooming. I went straight to my "wildflower patch" in the gravel driveway next to our old garden center. I know it's not much to look at but I am happy that the seeds I sprinkled there last fall have produced something.

I also went into our "pool area," which is now grass and newly planted flowers since we filled in the pool last year. Lots of lily buds in the ornamental grasses but no flowers yet. Sunflower stalks are high but no blossoms yet. I did find one or two roses and a couple of pink flowers growing among leaves. I also saw wrens go in and out of two birdhouses (I know they have been in a third one in the front yard, too).

My "core" muscles were sore after going out, but it was worth it. After almost 6 weeks in the hospital from April to June, I need to get outside!"