Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Stop and Smell the Gardenias

Gardenias are my Mother's favorite flower.  She has always loved the fragrant blossoms that bloom in the spring and summer.  They are "happy flowers" for me, reminding me of summer breezes that gracefully spread their potent fragrance throughout the yard.  It saddens me, but the blossoms on my gardenia bushes are now beginning to wither.  My mother and children have been picking the flowers and placing them in dishes throughout the house, trying to wring out the last bit of perfume before the blossoms turn brown and fall to the ground.

This afternoon, we took a walk around the yard, and stopped to smell the gardenias.  At first glance, the bush was full of withered, brown blossoms, but there were a few lone, white flowers that remained.  These few blossoms were still fragrant enough to "smell up" the yard, even though they were few in number. 

Most afternoons, I would have probably found myself in a hurry, while in the yard.  I would be rushing my children inside for homework and baths, sweeping off the front porch, or picking up stray litter that blew over from the neighboring high school.  I would not have taken the time to "stop and smell the gardenias".

As cliche' as it sounds, we live a hurried life...there's always someone to see, someplace to go, or something to do.  When you are faced with your own mortality, whether you receive a cancer diagnosis or just have the dreaded common cold, we need to make certain that we prioritize the things in our lives, and take time for the little things.  I realized that today...if I hadn't been standing outside with my Mom, I would have never stopped to snap a photo of her by the withering gardenia bush, or take the time to inhale the special fragrance of the beautiful white blossom.

As life passes us by, it's very difficult to always remain focused on the positive, when it would be so much easier to dwell on the negative.  I'm not always "Suzy Sunshine", and even though I try to remain upbeat and positive (especially for my family), I'm also a realist..  Last night, as my children were asleep in their beds, Jeff and I spent some time on the back deck discussing the "what-ifs".  What if my cancer has spread?  What if it's somewhere else? It was the first time that I actually verbalized my fears, but I needed to share.  The thoughts were just fleeting, but they were still real.  I know that God is in control, but it still doesn't mean I can't ask questions from time to time...Oh, how easy it would be to dwell on those negative thoughts, and let them consume me.

Today, I ventured out of the house.  (Briefly, as it was so very exhausting!)  Mom and I went to Walgreens, in search for some children's cold medicine.  Right in front of the Coca-Cola display, Dr. Martin called.  Praise God, the only cancerous lymph nodes were the two sentinel nodes that tested positive during surgery. He reported the surgical margins were clear and the remainder of the lymph nodes from underneath my arm were free of cancer cells! God is good! (You can learn more about surgical margins here.)

Whether taking time to smell the gardenias, or turning the smallest events into "sprinkle" celebrations, life is fleeting, and passes quickly, especially in our hectic world.  Sometimes, it's the fact that most flowers are brown that makes the fragrance even sweeter, or the fact that a great news is even better after a gloomy night.  Take after the Nike commercial, and "Just Do It!"  Stop and smell the gardenias, before they are all gone.

Have to share this picture of my "angelic" mother that was taken today....as the sunbeams were shining down, it made me think that the "Hallelujah Chorus" should be playing in the background!

Thank you for your prayers, but please remember those who may have unspoken prayer requests, also.  God knows who they are.

TTFN,
-S

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am thankful for God's special blessings which were poured on us today; for being able to share with you this day; and taking time to "smell the gardenias"....it truly was a sprinkle day for me, too.

Love you,
Mom

tracy said...

Helen looks lovely in the "sunbeam" picture, your right. i can hear the angels tuning up their harps!

i can hear your truer emotions in this post. I am sending you hugs. I know your fears aren't for yourself, but for the loved one who might be left behind. but you dont have to worry Shelby, you are strong and getting healthier by the day. But like i said, i understand. I have told David that i cant give up and die cause i cant be sure he would know how to take care of the girls,(after all cake isn't suitable breakfast foods just because there is egg in it!) I love you and am still praying for you and yours.

Dana said...

I knew good news was coming, just didn't know when! I Love y'all...and yes Aunt Helen does look just like a earthly angel!!!! Still praying for everyone Shelby,and especially praying for the Lord to take care of every fear and doubt you may have. I can only imagine, but One Day At A Time!!!!!♥

vickie said...

I am so Happy you got the good news from your doctor. It is good for you to open up and express your"what ifs" you have to do this to go the the healing process I think. Your Mother is beautiful, You look like her. I am so glad she is ther with you.
Higs and Prayers
Vickie

Anonymous said...

We certainly agree that your mom is beautiful on the inside and outside. But, what you expect when she has SIX beautiful sisters!!!!!(Just kidding)

I know what you mean when you say we need to take time to smell the flowers. So often, I find the day half over and i have neglected to ask God what He wants me to do that day. god is great and we are so thankful that you are doing so well. In addition, I thank God that we live in the United States where we have such wonderful medical facilities.

Anonymous said...

We certainly agree that your mom is beautiful on the inside and outside. But, what you expect when she has SIX beautiful sisters!!!!!(Just kidding)

I know what you mean when you say we need to take time to smell the flowers. So often, I find the day half over and i have neglected to ask God what He wants me to do that day. god is great and we are so thankful that you are doing so well. In addition, I thank God that we live in the United States where we have such wonderful medical facilities.