Our dandelion...

In preparing for Asher's services last week we did some research on flowers. Knowing that all flowers have a "meaning" we wanted to find out what flower meant happy or happiness. What did we come up with?? THE DANDELION! We were actually delighted with the findings as dandelions to us are happiness! As we are working on designing Asher's grave stone for the cemetery it got me thinking a little more about the dandelion and how appropriate that flower is for this.

A dandelion to many is seen as a weed. Many people do everything they can to eliminate them from their lawn. In a need for what we all consider to be the perfect lawn we discard the "wildflower". The dandelion is not so easily eradicated however, the taproot of a dandelion makes the flower very difficult to uproot. The flower may break off but the root remains. If allowed to flourish the dandelion flowers into a beautiful happy little yellow flower which soon turns to a fun, fluffy puff of seeds to be blown into the wind.

When I see dandelions in a yard it makes me smile. They are often the first sign of spring and I find them beautiful! I also love the joy they bring to kids. Luke loves to go pick dandelions for me. He comes in ever so proud of himself and his bright and beautiful bouquet. And to see his eyes light up as we walk outside through a patch of the puffball dandelions as he scatters the seeds everywhere brings joy to my heart.

I am so glad that the dandelion means happiness because I see Asher much like the dandelion. His roots will forever be planted in my heart though the physical beauty of his presence can no longer be enjoyed on earth. Though many may have chosen to terminate a pregnancy where the baby was not expected to make it, we found the beauty in his precious God given life. The days have been difficult without my dear son but looking at his amazing face even if just in pictures makes my heart soar. Had we chosen to take matters into our own hands and end the life God created we would never have known the beauty and love of the gift God had given us. Often times in our culture we are taught that beauty is made up of certain "perfect" things and are often reluctant to think outside of that box. What we ALL need to realize is that God makes no mistakes and EVERY life he creates is a miracle in and of itself and if we allow God to work in and through us even through painful circumstances there will always be beauty in the end!

I know that where we live we are buried under FEET of snow but as March is here and spring approaches I look forward to seeing the dandelions poking up in our yard especially this year because forever from this moment on I will think of my amazing son every time I see one and what a wonderful reminder of our perfect gift!