Some see a weed, and some see a flower.

See this purple flower we have proudly growing by our pond? This is a plant that my dad had growing all around their house. It is a hearty plant that he loved, absolutely loved. I on the other hand did not like this plant. I used to make fun of it, and ask dad why he felt the need to grow a weed wrapped around his house. It was one of our fun running arguments. Ironically, it was also the very last thing we thoughtfully took from their home, and transplanted it by our pond.

Yesterday was Father's Day, and before I kicked off festivities with my kids to celebrate their dad, I took a quiet moment out on the deck with my dad early in the morning. Now the beauty of this weed, oh, I mean flower, is that it only blossoms in the morning. In the later part of the day the flowers close up and go to sleep. My dad was a lifetime morning person, so I guess it's appropriate that the flower we have in our yard that represents him, shines brightest in the morning. 

I think putting a tree or plant in your yard to memorialize a loved one is a very positive thing. It gives you a place to go to and talk with the person you're missing. With dad's "passing day" shortly approaching I'll probably spend a few more hours out on the deck, quietly talking with him. I'll point out what a hearty weed he has spreading by our pond, and he'll mention what a beautiful flower he has grown.