My kids had a four day weekend and today was their first day back. In that time the last of the daffodils and tulips have died off but some new blooms greeted us this morning. Purple columbine and lily of the valley! My mom had columbine in her garden and I’m sure there will be some in bloom in Oscars when we go up for Family Camp in a couple weeks, but those are the pink and yellow flowers. I really think these purple columbine pop in the greenery.

When the Lily of the valley blooms I can’t help but be reminded of my grandmother. I stayed with her for two summers during college at her home on Brevoort Lake in the Upper Peninsula. She was an avid gardener and her gardens were gorgeous. In the spring when the lilies of the valley were all in bloom she would have them in a simple glass vase in the center of the table. I can picture her smiling and laughing across that table from me. Those were wonderful summers and I will always cherish these memories.

Do you have a flower that reminds you of a loved one?