Bloom

When we lost the first baby

8 years ago, several friends brought flowers and cards. I remember a dozen beautiful roses that arrived and sat on my dresser. By the next day, the head of every single pink bud had inexplicably bowed down and died, never having opened. The symbolism of it was just too much for me.

I was also given a couple of live flowering plants. An orchid and a violet. Over these years since that time, I have watered and cared for them. They have only flowered once or twice, with a single, frail bloom that faded quickly.

This week, something amazing has happened. The violets (which by now have divided into several plants) have begun to bloom.

No, not bloom. Explode!

Eight stunning blossoms with broad faces and glittery, vibrant purple petals have burst from the plants, with several more clusters of unopened buds making their way to the light.

Why now? Why, after years in the same window ledge have they suddenly begun to flower?

I imagine there is a scientific reason of some sort… some random change in the environment of our home’s climate, maybe how often I water… that may have changed. But isn’t it amazing that now -of all times, of all years- these plants are coming alive?

I am 30 weeks pregnant today.