I don’t know anyone that does not like surprises.  The fact that someone thought enough of you to do something nice for you is enough to make even the grumpiest among us smile.  This past Wednesday I was feeling particularly grumpy.  My work had been one problem after another.  I did not get out of the office until late so I did not get home until it was almost dark.  I was both stressed and exhausted by the time I pulled into the driveway.  As I walked out to the mailbox I could see that something was different.  Since it was beginning to get dark I couldn’t immediately put my finger on what the difference was but I had that uneasy feeling that I always get when my wife says “Do you notice anything different about me?”  As I got closer I was able to determine that the “something different” was a five gallon hibiscus sitting in the middle of my yard.  I couldn’t help but smile.

The lovely blooms of this hibiscus will always remind me of the kindness of a friend

As I walked toward the plant I tried to figure out who would leave me such a lovely gift.  As I came up to it I realized there was more!  Whoever left the hibiscus also left a lovely book on Texas Natives, a touching little inspirational book called “The Dash” and a native Texas coral bean called Erythrina herbacea.

My gifts came from a long-time reader from Giddings, Tx.  He is what I like to call a serious hobbyist.  He loves horticulture and he grows a variety of ornamentals, Texas natives and unusual succulents.  He also has a knack for finding odd and rare plants growing in his local area.  Over the past few months we have become big e-mail buddies and he has even dropped by to visit.

The buds of the hibiscus are almost as attractive as the flower they release

This act of kindness made my day.  Since both of the plants he left me are perennial, I will enjoy them for years and remember his kindness each time I look at them.  I truly love the plants and I was touched by his thoughtfulness.  However, I enjoyed the books just as much.  The little inspirational book is based on a poem by Linda Ellis called “The Dash”.  “The Dash” is a lovely poem about striving to live a good life.

This poem has been around for a while.  However, it is truly inspirational and it picked me up, and reminded me of what is truly important, just when I needed it most.  Many thanks to my friend from Giddings for this thoughtful gesture.  I am very glad that you decided to share a little of “your dash” with me.

Sometimes the back of the flower is just as lovely as the front

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