Thursday 8 May 2008

Fragility.


As I walked across the garden to fill the bird feeders this morning I noticed the beautiful Welsh Poppy was in flower. This bloom only lasts for one day. With the slightest breeze its petals will fall and blow away across the garden. It flowers all summer and its colour always adds sunshine to my garden whatever the weather. The reason I called this post fragility is that nature always makes me realise how fragile we all are. When I took the parents shopping on Tuesday Dad had a fall in the car park. He couldn't get up and I struggled to get him back on his feet. He is not a small man and yet he is so terribly fragile, as fragile as the Poppy. Anyway I got him up and told him to go and sit down. But Dad being Dad said "I will be alright luvvie, don't worry." So off he went with bruised knees and looking quite pale. You learn not to make a fuss with Dad. I am going to see him today to finish his garden and he will be out there helping. Dad has taught me to get on with life and to always find the good in it. We all have problems, some more than others......but its how we deal with them that counts. I take mine into the garden. Poppi and I in silence sitting under the apple tree, the bees collecting their pollen, the dawn chorus, the bloom of a Poppy....these are the things that help me cope with what life dishes out. At one with nature I forget the problems and hassles that we all have and see the world for what it truly is.....a wonderful place if you only take time to stop and smell the flowers.



14 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

A very thoughtful post Cheryl. I hope your Dad is ok today. It is scary when they grow older and so fragile.

Cheryl said...

It is scary...they want to retain their independence and you have to respect that. I do all I can for them and my mother in law but try not to be too pushy. But if I am honest it saddens me to see them growing old.
Dad sat and watched today so wasn't his usual self...but the garden is finished...it is a pretty little garden...I will upload a photo somewhere along the way.

Rose said...

Such a thoughtful post, Cheryl. You are right that nature teaches us so many things if we only take the time to notice. I, too, hope your Dad is ok. It's hard to see our parents get older and frailer.

Cheryl said...

Rose thank you for your kind words.

LadyLuz said...

I'm so glad for you that it's warming up for you there. I'm sure your Dad will appreciate the warmth on his bones too. I bet he gets a lot of pleasure being in your company.

It's been a real treat seeing those poppies and all the wonderful leaves.

Cheryl said...

Thanks Ladyluz forf your kind words.

Wendy said...

What a beautiful post. Your father sounds like a wonderful, spiritually strong and caring man, who taught his children (child?) some very important and valuable life lessons.
I also find solace in my garden. Loved your poppy pic. We must learn to enjoy those fragile flowers before the wind takes them.

Cheryl said...

You read between the lines well, that is my father Wendy.
Yes we must enjoy the blooms while they last, and make the most of every moment.
Take care.

Jan said...

Cheryl, Thank you so much for your comments on my blog. Yours is wonderful, and I loved your post today. It is something I think about often, the fragility of life, how temporary things are, and how we need to take it all in, each day. This year I've been doing that through my camera instead of actual garden work, as I've been in too much pain to dig! I'm hoping it will ease up so I can get in there and get dirty. I hope your dad's ok now, and he sounds like a wonderful man.

beckie said...

Cheryl, it is so hard as daughters to see our fathers-once the strong. could do anything' had all the answers, men- become frail and dependant. All we can do is love them the best we can. Enjoy your lovely poppies for as long as they last.

Cheryl said...

Hi Jan....hope your pain soon heals and that you can get down and get dirty. It is so frustrating, isn't it?
Thank you for your kind comments.

Cheryl said...

Thanks Beckie I always finds your words reassuring.

Libbys Blog said...

Its a scary thought getting old. We all say we won't be like that but sometimes we have no choice. I have been an exceptionally healthy person until all my ops over the last 18 months and it seems to have started something, that I don't like!!!!!!!

Cheryl said...

Libby I really do hope that you are feeling better soon. You are quite right we do all say that, I won't be like that when I get old. But how do we know....its a time thing.