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Camellia’s Gift
I can’t remember the time I wasn’t able to hear the flowers and insects talk, but I do remember the first time my parents took me to see the family doctor. I recall him peering over his glasses, muttering, this is very unusual, children tend to just have imaginary friends, but I don’t think you should worry too much, whatever it is, she’ll grow out of it.
I sat there feeling invisible, thinking, what’s all the fuss about? I had always listened and joined in on their conversations – why would I want to grow out of it!
In the end, my mother thanked the doctor and said to my father, let’s not worry about her, you have to admit, we do have the best garden in the neighbourhood.
After that, I tried hard not to embarrass my parents whenever there were flowers present.
I am married now and calling in on my parents to keep them up to date on my visits to the hospital; they so wanted to be grandparents. Today the news was not good. I would never be able to have children. They smiled, saying, don’t worry Rosemary, but their eyes told me differently.
Before I left, I went into the garden to see my friend the camellia bush. We had grown up together and had shared so many happy times laughing and chatting. She looked glorious today in full bloom and so happy to see me. I didn’t have to tell her I could never have children – she just knew. This was the bond I had with nature, something my parents couldn’t understand.
Look there!
I looked to see the young shoots of a lavender growing.
I’ve just adopted her, Camellia said proudly.
How, I asked?
The birds helped her seed for me.
Why don’t you adopt too, Rosemary? Camellia said knowingly.
I’ll never forget the look of wonder and awe on my parents’ faces as I explained my decision to adopt. Finally, they came to understand my amazing gift.
I’m in full bloom
In tune insects call
Natures language is there for all.
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Glad you’re back, Eric! What a great story this is, about a girl with a very unusual gift. No wonder her family had the best garden in the neighborhood. Do you share your stories with your grandchildren? How lucky they are to have a grandfather full of such fascinating tales! Oh yes and the picture you chose is adorable. It fits the story exactly. Great work.
Thanks Fuji. Hope you are well and your family too. It’s good to be back and nice to be missed by my writing friends. Thank you for your comments. I’m glad you liked my story and yes my grandchildren love my stories being read to them and it keeps me young as well, ha, ha. – Eric.
What a lovely story, Eric! Rosemary’s ability to communicate with nature makes it possible for her to receive a wonderful gift/idea from her friend Camellia. Her close connection with plants gives her safety and happiness in the world. Very poetic!
Hello again Christer, we meet through words and how amazing is that? I’m so glad that you enjoyed the story. I tried to convey the importance of our connection and bond with Nature, and perhaps it’s not just words that connect us all?
What a beautiful story, Eric. It made me quite emotional towards the end. I talk to trees all the time, it would be wonderful if they’d answer me one day 🙂
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Hello Carrie, it is nice to hear from you. I think it is wonderful that you talk to nature, perhaps even to hug a tree, I do,ha, ha. In a strange and amazing way they have already answered you – in that you have connected and feel better? Thanks for taking the time to comment – Eric.
Welcome back Eric, we all missed you! I see you are back to writing wonderful stories. I really like your closing line above “Natures language is there for all”. Since I am a language student, this line has a particularly deep meaning for me.
Thank you Culture Dragon, I missed everyone too. You have a Special Gift in that you are a language student, for you will be forever learning, for everrrr a student! Have you heard of Masaru Emoto? Even Water has a language!!! Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment, I get the same enjoyment reading everyone’s replies as I get from writing my stories. Thanks again for the warm welcome.
Such a lovely story Eric. The line ‘They smiled, saying, don’t worry Rosemary, but their eyes told me differently.’ brought a lump to my throat. And such a heartwarming ending, what more can you ask of a story?
Hello again Linda, it makes writing more (I’m stuck for a word) more? You know when someone makes a comment where the story strikes a certain chord with them. It makes the writer happy to think that they have given a little joy. That’s what you get from the story being read. It’s just to connect with reader. Thank you for the lovely comments.
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Coming to terms with the reality of being unable to bear children must be incredibly hard. I was blessed with four but I know others who were not so lucky. How hard it must be to tell family who would be eagerly hoping for grandchildren, and then the decision to adopt. You’ve captured all the emotions perfectly, Eric, with a very satisfying conclusion. I have a precious granddaughter named Dahlia – I hope Rosemary names her adopted baby Camellia 🙂
Hello Sandra, thanks for dropping in to comment. I’m really happy that you enjoyed my story. It’s amazing how each and every reader sees something different in all of the stories written by each member, and in that way we all connect. Thank You.
A wonderful parallel in your story, Eric.
Hi Susan, glad you enjoyed the story, and I am looking forward to 2021, for I know that there will so many wonderful stories to read from you and from everyone else in the Voice.Club – “A Happy New Year to You”.
Very fascinating, I do also talk to my flowers and pets, and how I wish they will talk back to me – hahahaha. On the other part, I am sad about Rosemary. It is very difficult to accept the fact that a woman is not capable of bearing children – that means depression to me. But such a beautiful ending. Great write, Eric.
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Hello Lochie, thank you for taking the time to read my story, yes the world is far more amazing and beautiful than any of us could ever imagine. We know so little of the beauty that is around us. I think about orphans, and those who can not have children – then perhaps????
I agree with you. Perhaps they will consider adoption in the orphanage, and accept the truth that they are not blessed to bear a child of their own. That is the best thing they could do to avoid depression.
Lotchie, don’t forget to vote on the Golden competition, it will be closing shortly, and there are some really excellent stories there.