Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Believe in your plant


Hazel—one of my plants—has had more lives than a family of contented cats. She has been completely dead (apparently), sort of dead, on the verge of passing on, semi pathetic, extremely pathetic, depressed, deflated, so-so and so on. Well, I’m sure you get the picture. But as you can see, Hazel is flourishing in her present incarnation. One blossom is in full bloom and another couple are just waiting to unfurl. Given Hazel’s history, I’m ashamed to admit I considered tossing her into the compost many times. But I couldn’t bring myself to do it because David gave me Hazel for my birthday a few years ago, and it just seemed plain wrong to abandon her. And I’m glad I didn’t.
Hazel has convinced me that you shouldn’t give up on anything that’s important to you—no matter what the evidence seems to suggest. Even though it appeared she was a goner, John put her in a new pot and I watered her anyway. Everything else Hazel has done on her own, and it’s very gratifying to know she’s got a new lease on life.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Caterina Giglio said...

I have a plant like this, not the variety, but the temperament!

Irene said...

Hazel is lovely.

Leslie Jane Moran said...

You are such a sweet gentle spirit that I'm sure even the plants would fight to stay alive in your sphere. You, of course, are to be congratulated on your patience and forgiveness. Something that you also afford your students..thankfully!:)

me again said...

Three cheers for Hazel....proof positive that an optimistic outlook and having faith can and will pay off :-)

Ronna said...

I initially read the title of this post as "Believe in your Planet." I guess that and the real title are both relevant!

MarissaDW said...

Hazel looks beautiful and healthy, thanks to your patience and not giving up on the plant. I've revived a few plants such as boston fern; spider plant that was left unattended during my vacation and sick days in the last two weeks. I can see them coming back to life. Now, if I can only do the same magic to my orchids. I'm down to three.

Suze said...

Well...let me say Susan...Hazel is just damn lucky to have a mommy like you ! Look at the great lesson both of you have taught us. Fantastic...I'm off to water and nurture now !

Ganga Fondan said...

A timely message for me today. For me it is my dreams that sometimes just seem to be so wacky and out of synche with the rest of my life...but they hang in there and whisper to me and grow and grow much like your beloved Hazel. I was not designed to be ordinary and neither is she. Bless you for not giving up on her.

Anonymous said...

Hazel! You go girl!