Best Presents

"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--that is to have succeeded."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dear Miss Brittany,

Remember how we talked about our favorite flowers and realized that we both loved Morning Glories? Do you remember that in late May you painted this lovely flowerpot for me and filled it with dirt and seeds?

You told me that you planted them every year, and I told you the story of how my Mama always planted them when I was little. I said that she would wake me up extra early because they only bloomed in the morning. You smiled.

I'm happy to report that your little seeds have taken off! As a matter of fact, they have grown and grown and are now beautiful vines and bursting buds.

My little herb garden is busy making friends with the morning glories. I like to think that they have little chats and whisper secrets to each other. You know, just like you and the other kiddos do.

It cracks me up when I look at how the tiny vines are wrapping themselves around the parsley.

Or, when I see a new bud ready to interrupt the quiet calm of my dill plants.

Hopefully, they are all getting along and being kind to each other.

Before long, they may overtake my house! Already they are tap-tap-tapping on my window panes!

So, my dear Brittany, thank you. Thank you a million times over. I love my special flower pot and the beautiful flowers that continue to bloom and remind me of you.

Love,

Mrs. W