Ali-gator Soup: Yes...I Have a GOOD Reason

I may not remember the most expensive or impressive gift my parents ever bought me or some other moments in my life that would typically be unforgettable...but I do remember the most important things, the most important things to me...that is. One of the most special memories I have in my life are the ones that my mother and my grandmother gave me.

I'll never forget being a little girl and going for walks with my mom and collecting a beautiful bouquet of thistles, daisy's, Queen Anne's lace, butter cups, red clover, lily of the valley and more. In fact, my mother has a photo of me holding a bouquet like this, next to her desk.

My grandmother also loved long walks with her beloved dog, Cujo. I would walk with her and she would tell me the names of every weed or flower. Every time we came across Queen Anne's lace she would tell me all about how much she loved those "flowers not weeds" and she would tell me everything she knew about the royal family; all of the Queen's and how beautiful they were and how rich and how lavish their lives were and handsome their husbands were. Sometimes she would walk as though she were a "grand lady" and I would twirl around and pretend to be a princess. She would let me pick as many as I could hold. I loved to tie the stems together and make long white fluffy garlands.

If we saw Lilly of the Valley she would let me bend over and smell them, but not pick them (sometimes I would sneak just one and tuck it in a pocket...shhh). She told me they reminded her of bells which also reminded her of the line from "It's a Wonderful Life"; 'Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.' (Yes I changed 'his' to 'its'). Believe it or not, I don't know if I've seen the movie, if I have, I don't remember it, but I remember that one scene and I remember Grandma saying it just like the little girl had. Now whenever I see the angel bells I think of her.

Those special moments with just my mom and just my grandmother (and Cujo of course) meant the world to me.

Another thing that I have realized is that there are so many things in the world that can make someone feel like they are out of place...and perhaps....they are. But what I have learned is that although it may not seem like it, there is always a place for everyone, they just have to find it. It may not be easy, and may be questionable, but it exists...I know it does.

So, that is my reason. I have just gotten a tattoo, yesterday...and in that time I have already faced judgement. Most people loved it and asked questions, one friend even wanted a picture of her own. It is so ironic that the quotation incorporated in the art states; "A Weed is Simply a Flower Out of Place" and those very judgements prove it so clearly.

Judgements or not, I will look at this piece of art and think of my mother and grandmother every single day. Thankfully my mother is still here and will be for a long time. My grandmother passed away two months before my wedding. She has never seen my house or how happy my little family is, but she is always with me.

I think that at times my grandmother and mother have felt like weeds. I know that I have as well, and often still do. The way I see it is that everyone is a flower, even if in a way that no one realizes it....they just need to find the right garden.

I hope I've found mind.

P.S.
As I write this my son is singing...
"I want to be
under the sea
in an octopus's garden
in the shade."

Maybe that's where us Floyd's belong...with the Octopi....

Agree?