The Flower Lady

Mother’s Day falls on May 10th this year. This is my grandmother’s birthday. She is no longer with us physically, but she is always close to my heart. My grandmother Maxine was born in 1917. She was such a beautiful, woman full of spunk and loved to laugh. She did not always have an easy life, but always tried to see the positive and loved fiercely. Every goodbye came with cries and lots of hugs... which I believe she passed this torch on to me. She taught me so many beautiful things about life and how to love unconditionally. She never went to church but she did have a beautiful faith. She loved Jimmy Swaggart and listening to Cristy Lane’s music, especially "ONE DAY AT A TIME" and often would talk about her faith openly. One particular story she shared with me came from a 1956 issue of Guideposts. I carry this story with me, and remember when things feel darkest… I wait 3 days. Surprisingly, things always seem to look better. She passed away when I was 21, and I miss her terribly. I have always carried wonderful memories of her humor and laughter, along with lessons on love, cooking, cleaning, and her spunky spirit. Love you Grandma. Wishing you and all those who loved you a Happy May 10th!

The Flower Lady

In Memory of Maxine Hill

The flower lady was smiling, her wrinkled face alive with joy. On impulse I picked out a flower. “You look happy this morning,” I said.

“Why not? Everything is good.”

She was dressed so shabbily and seemed so frail that her reply startled me.

“You wear your troubles well,” I said.

“When Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, that was the worst day for the whole world. Then 3 days later- Easter! So when I get troubles, I’ve learned to wait 3 days. Somehow everything becomes alright again.”

And she smiled good-bye. Her words still follow me whenever I think I have troubles…I “wait 3 days”.

-Author Unknown (April 1956 in Guideposts)