Let me share with you a true story. A story of love, hope, tragedy, inspiration, grief and joy. A series of seemingly everyday, ordinary events allowed my path to cross with an extraordinary, remarkable family. It helped to consolidate my own life purpose, allowing me to let go and grow.
One warm sunny afternoon in July 2010 this happy loving couple went into the garden to deadhead the roses. Plucking back the spent blooms, making way for next years bounty. An ordinary sting from a wasp proved fatal for this beloved husband and dad. Within three hours of the incident his spirit had been plucked from his now lifeless physical body as his family tried to accept the blow that life had dealt them.
Fast forward sixteen months and the fruit of the bereaved family’s love and devotion lives on in a literary memory. Two hundred and sixty six pages involving fifty seven contributors and the countless other members of family and friends who lent a shoulder, a heart and a hand behind the scenes.
The front cover bears a peace rose with a silent petal falling from its maternal cluster. The analogy of the intoxication scents, medicinal qualities, velvet to the touch contrasted with thorny caution is indeed the bitter sweet story of life. The elegant, ancient rose has many deep rooted traditions in popular culture. A dozen red meaning I love you, whites, pinks, event the ink fed blacks occupy a certain symbol or chapter of our lives.
And what of the names and the hundred plus species? People, places and shapes lending their names, being honoured by these hardy beauties. Civil wars from across the water being referred to as ‘The War of The Roses’.
In light of my own introduction into this abundant garden I wish to propose a new title: The Butler Legacy Rose in honour of the love, hope inspiration and joy that I have learned from Imelda and family.
We are reminded that although ‘every rose has it’s thorn’, the sweetness and joy that we savour from their presence is the calculated risk that we call life. Enriched and enlightened by their beauty, we reach the end of our own season as we subsequently make room for the next generation. Knowing that the fallen petals of our lives have created a bed of learning, loving and nurturing that is our own abundant legacy.
Be not afraid, I go before you.
nutrishon@gmail.com
086 6482651
Inspired by John, Imelda, Michelle & Maria
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