My rose bushes have dwindled greatly over the years.

Some due to neglect.

Some due to the deer.

Some due to increased shade.

But I have one rose, a tea rose, that has defied the odds.  I planted it years ago and it never did anything. Then about three years ago it started to bloom. This was about the same time I knew my mom was “not herself”. Every year I gave her the last rose of the summer because it was always the most magnificent one.

This is the second fall since she has been gone and I didn’t think my rose was going to bloom this year. But yesterday I walked out on the deck and there she was, more beautiful than ever. Of course, it was bittersweet. The first thing I would have done is cut that rose and take it to my mom.

Instead, I cried.

Then I cut the rose and brought it in the house.

Every time I look at it, I think of her. She thought I was an amazing gardener.

And for a while, I was.

Because I can’t give it to her,  I thought I would share my rose with all of you. If I could bottle up its smell and send it across the computer, I would. Alas, you’ll just have to imagine.

God bless and have a great day.