The “holiday” season is upon us. It’s been decades since visions of stuffed turkeys and luminescent evergreens have filled my heart with child-like glee. Over the years it’s been more about a gnawing angst of treasures lost. Of family gone, but not from this earth. Transmogrified memories have taken on a life of their own, without any resemblance to their original authenticity. Alas, at this point, even I don’t know what was real and what was not.
But the good news? It no longer matters. Gracias a dios. Releasing the pain of the past is a life-long pursuit. But there are milestones along the way.
This year was one of them. We were blessed with a holiday gift more precious than any present we’ve ever received. A simple orchid, not yet flowering. A clump of leafy growth with spindly, white roots jutting out like tentacles. Unlike terrestrial orchids, this one is an epiphyte. A flower that finds sustenance in the air, clinging to the trunk of a host tree.
So what makes this orchid so special? The story of its origins, and the family from a small mountain town called San Vito who gifted it to us. A family who transcended their own debilitating grief from the loss of their patriarch to think of us.
Jhonny, who lives in our neighborhood, had made the four-hour moto ride from Uvita to sit by his dying father’s bedside. He was blessed with a whole week with his papá before the inevitable end came. When Jhonny was ready to return home, his mamá gave him a cutting from her prized orchids to bring to us.
We had met his mamá last Christmas, when she came from San Vito to visit Jhonny, bringing his two daughters and sister along to celebrate Christmas day. She was a lovely woman who radiated goodness. Much like her son. And apparently, even more so like his papá. His papá had been a much-respected man in his community, so much so that the whole town had turned out for his funeral to celebrate his memory. What a legacy!
So Jhonny came over this morning to help us relocate the magical San Vito orchid. We picked a tree outside the kitchen window so we can admire it every day as we stand at the sink. And every day be reminded of what is important in life.
With a lightened heart filled with the true meaning of love, I send out best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season!
Pura Vida!
Nov. 21, 2022
S FROM COLORADO22.11.2022 14:13
What a beautiful story and message to share! Wishing you and K and your fur babies love and a very happy holiday season.
BEV STAFFORD21.11.2022 19:43
What a beautiful experience! The best gifts are from God through one of His beautiful children. Happy Holidays and much love to you and K!
Judy Richter 