December 1: Christmas Cactus

At the close of my visit to California after my father’s passing in February, I brought home some clippings from my Dad’s Christmas cactus, a beautiful plant that he had been growing for years.  The cactus spent the Summer and Fall outside under my watchful eye.  I was pleased as the transplants took hold and began to grow.  The plant is the recipient of a lot of attention; I talk to it as if my dad can hear me.  In the cold weather, it’s come inside and sits front and center to soak up the Winter sunlight.  

I didn’t expect any flowers this year but that is exactly what has happened.  

In my mind, these bright blooms can only have one source, the green thumb of my dad reaching through the great beyond.  Each morning I say hello to him and the blooms.  I think that my early-rising Dad would appreciate a morning greeting as dawn emerges.  And that I feel his spirit as the day begins is a lovely gift from this precious plant.