Everyone Needs Flowers

By Christine Larade

My mother wanted to buy me flowers.

It was a beautiful day. But as a new single mother, I was stressed. Months of job and personal stress had taken their toll. The baby was teething, so neither of us was sleeping. My bills were reproducing themselves on top of the fridge and I did not know how I was going to pay them.

My parents came to visit the baby and I for the weekend. God knows my daughter is their greatest joy, as the happiness of having a grandchild knows no boundaries. That's what is so special about children. They bring about a beautiful change in you. Their love of life and innocence delay whatever problems you have at the moment.

As she is my joy, so am I to them. I must admit that this is a very nice feeling. That after a somewhat uncaring partner, to know that someone loves my child and me unconditionally. That two people who have sacrificed grey hairs to raise me will continue to do so now that I need them again; paying for new car brakes and not commenting on a shaggy hairstyle.

Everyone needs someone. No matter how long you have been separated from your partner or how strong you (think you) are on your own. You still need to feel love from someone. And surprisingly, those people, once you start looking for them, are not that hard to find. You will find them in old friends, new acquaintances, and unfamiliar relatives. All you have to do is open yourself to them.

But if you can, try you parents first. Do not stop until you reach your own Mommy and Daddy. Because they will understand you in a way, few people do. When you hold your child in your arms, they still see the little baby they once held. They understand that as badly as you want to provide for your child, you will sacrifice your own energy and happiness.

So they do what most people don't think to do. Instead of giving you money to pay for your bills, which will eventually get paid, or giving you lots of helpful advice you don't need, they buy you flowers because they know you would not waste money buying them yourself...

They buy you flowers to remind you that life goes on...

They buy you flowers to surround you and your child by the colourful beauty of flowers...

They buy you flowers because sometimes badmouthing someone doesn't help and words cannot make someone feel better...

But flowers do.