It is often said that you can never go back, that it is best to allow memories to remain as memories because all to often, when revisited, reality pales in comparison. While this is true most of the time, sometimes, if the stars are aligned, some memories are well worth revisiting.
Irwin & I returned to the country for one night last weekend, because although we knew we needed to be in the city Sunday, we just could not bear to miss a weekend of spring’s continued revelations.
Upon arrival, I was shocked and disappointed to find the addition the robins had added to the nest featured in last week’s post, The Best Nest, torn down and laying in shambles on the ground. I was not sure if the original builders returned and reclaimed their nest or something catastrophic had happened since neither bird family appeared during our short visit. The burning bush guests were still in place, but there were still no tenants in the roof of our front door porch and it remained beautifully repainted and nest-free for the first time since we own our house.
While Irwin was thrilled with the prospect of clean front steps for the first time in ten years, I was struck with a bout of melancholy. As silly as it may seem, I love having these guests every year because they are a reminder of life’s promise and renewal. While I began to grapple with my sense of loss, I walked around the perimeter of the house, desperately seeking some new affirmation of life, when I noticed our budding lilacs.
Lilacs are one of my favorite flowers. Their scent takes me back to my childhood, when my grandmother, who truly had a green thumb, tended the small garden that surrounded our house. While we had fruit trees and a grape vine along with her prized roses, my favorites were the enormous lilac bushes in front of our porch.
As I stood there, feet firmly planted on our soil with my eyes closed, memories of my childhood flooded my mind. They were so tangible and life affirming, that I found myself smiling.
The “green thumb” gene was not one that I inherited from my grandmother, as evidenced by the number of plants that have died under my care, still my appreciation for all things green runs deep. As the lilacs of my childhood signaled the beginning of spring along with the promise of summer, our lilacs in the country perpetuate that affirmation each year. It is no coincidence that our lilac bushes usually reach full bloom around Mother’s Day, showering me with fragrant memories.
We returned to the country yesterday to celebrate Mother’s Day with our children and as promised, the lilacs were in full bloom. As we sat around the table enjoying our first barbecue of the season and reminiscing, the fragrance of the lilacs wafting through the air reminded me to step back for a moment and drink in the new memories we were creating.
And….as it that were not gift enough, to my surprise and delight, when I looked out the kitchen window this morning, I saw that the robin’s nest was rebuilt. Still in true robin’s nest style with a multitude of branches and leaves hanging over the side, but seeming more finished and polished than the last incarnation. I’m assuming this time they consulted with an interior designer!
Re-designed nest
Happy Mother’s Day!
This is a delightful post, and perfect for Mother's Day. Thank you. I love the final photo of Charlie looking so wise.
Thank you Norbridge. Delighted to read that you liked the post. Happy Mother's Day!
