"Flowers leave some of their fragrance in the hand that bestows them."
-Chinese Proverb
These grand Spring tulips came from the garden of a dear and now departed friend and neighbour, Marian Drennan. Marian passed away last summer after a full and fruitful life spanning 94 years. Her 95th birthday would have been celebrated on May 1st.
Marian was a retired teacher... a Mother... Grandmother ... loyal and faithful Presbyterian.. a mentor surrogate Mother and wonderful friend for "Me"! I miss "Her" greatly - her puckish wit... girlish giggle and her never flagging optimism and Faith. The world is a better place ... simply because "She" was present... and touched the lives of so many of her family, friends, students and her community.
Marian rests eternally beside her husband Alvin... in the Presbyterian Cemetery just up and around the corner on Mill Street West... part way around one of my evening and morning walks. We still "visit" ... regularly... and yes... I "borrowed" a bouquet of her beloved tulips to be with "Her."
While she was living in the Sara Vista Nursing Home in nearby Elmvale, Marian befriended the lady volunteer who came in weekly to freshen up the ladies... "dos." Marian had a great affection for the woman who religiously "showed up".... gratis for her and others. Marian mentioned that the lady remarked that she was sorry that the only space available was an empty janitor's closet... a "room"... with no view.
I remedied that situation with the "view" from a window that I had painted out of my head. I felt that it belonged there... because it had Dutch tulips and girls... doing what girls love to do... skipping "Double Dutch." Marian loved the gift... as did all of the ladies... and their generous stylist.
Isn't that the spirit expressed in the opening line of this post?
"What goes around... comes around!"
"Pass it forward!"
All these good things!
Happy Birthday Dear Marian!!!
Happy Spring... and Good Painting to ALL!!!
