Monday, March 10, 2008

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!

22 comments:

JuJu - said...

Beautiful post. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily -

Hugs to you Momma,

Julia

JuJu - said...

Oh yeah - I just want you to know that I think you are amazing:)

M. said...

What a beautiful analogy, Kristy! Thank you for sharing that. As Spring approaches, I'm sure I will think of Asher and your family with every dandelion I see. Each one can be a fresh reminder to pray for your family's comfort, peace, and healing.

TheOilHippie said...

What an amazingly appropriate and beautiful analogy. I will never think of a dandelion the same again.

Katy said...

What an awesome way to think of a dandelion, as a reminder of your little boy. That is so neat. I am buried under snow here too in Ohio (not sure where you live?), where we had a record snowfall of 20.4 inches, so I too, am ready for the spring! When I see the first dandelion, I will think about how Asher has touched my life, though I am a stranger. Still praying...

Anonymous said...

I have always loved dandelions...it's never been just a weed to me and now I will forever think of Asher when I see them.
I love to read your words...you paint beautiful pictures with them.
Thank you.
I continue to pray for you, Howard, and your sons everyday.
With love

Laurie in Ca. said...

Wow Kristy,

This is amazing to read, knowing when I see my dandelions, which are everywhere, I will see Happy. They live happily in our lawns and will have a more special meaning to me.:)
Bless your heart on this journey and I pray that God pours out His blessings all over you each day. Asher sure has blessed my life and he keeps doing it when I read posts like this. Praying constantly for all of you, that healing and peace visit you each day as you miss your little boy.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

Devin said...

I will think of Asher too, now. Thank you for giving me a reason to smile at the Dandelion!

Devin in Illinois

Chrissy said...

How beautiful! I will be thinking of Happy from this day forward any and every time I see a dandelion! Thinking of you so often!

Anonymous said...

I can across your blog today and want to let you know I've prayed for you and your family today. My God bless you during this difficult time.

The VW's said...

Beautifully written! All of God's creation is beautiful and amazing, even the dandelion which I have always loved too! Even more beautiful is your precious Asher which God created PERFECT and for such a great purpose!

I will think of you and Asher every time I see a dandelion I'm sure! Now I can't wait for Spring even more!

God Bless You and I pray He gives you the strength and peace you need!

Anonymous said...

Kristy,

God has certainly given you BEAUTIFUL words to express your feelings. I know that I will never look at a dandelion the same again. As you know, dandelions spread VERY QUICKLY! I do believe that Asher has roots all over the world. That makes me smile! Praying for you all today!

Anonymous said...

I was just emailed your site from a girlfriend and I am so thankful she did. I have two children and just can't imagine the pain you are feeling right now. I just wanted to let you know that everytime I see a dandelion I will remember your family and say a prayer for you. Although it is so difficult to look outside and want to walk through the storms, how confronting and scary it can be God says that he will never leave us or forsake us. He is with you right now, just invite His presence into your day to begin His healing works in you. You and your wonderful husband and children will be a light to so many who are struggling now too. God bless you and thankyou for sharing your story.

Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers
Katie

Bobbie said...

Amen!!
You remain in my prayers.

Cheryl F. said...

That was a beautiful post. I have always love dandelions and my daughter has picked them for me too. From now on when I see the dandelions they will hold a new meaning of happiness. I am glad to see you uplifted. There will be hills, and valleys. I will pray that the Lord protects your family and provides that gentle peace that will fill your heart.
Cheryl F
Jacksboro, TN
www.whattonameher.blogspot.com

Teabo Chica said...

Sweet Kristy,
You can email me anytime you are feeling me down, I would love to chat with you. How did your day go today with hubby going back to work? I will think about sweet Asher as I look out my window at the dandelions are swaying in the wind,and when I get them I will put them in a jar on my window sill and pray for you.
Love,
Natalie

Emily said...

Oh how perfect. I will never see one of those happy little flowers without thinking of baby Asher, happy as he can be in Heaven with our girl. ;) I'll take a picture of her sisters with dandelions the first chance I get for you!!

Melony said...

I will never look at a dandelion the same!! What a great constant reminder of your sweet baby.. He was and is a beautiful child, created just the way God intended. I pray that God continues to bring peace into your life and carry you through this dark valley.

Anonymous said...

i will never look at Dandolins the same way again..i will allways remember Happy when i see one know and blow the little seeds up in the sky maybe one will reach happy and all the other children up in heaven...
have a safe and easier day
irene

The Adoption Of William said...

How beautiful Kristy! I to love dandelions. I don't pick them out of my yard, like everything else God put them there for a reason...crab grass is another matter all together. Snow snow go away..come again at Christmas!

With Love,

Jen

AJ said...

A reverand at the church I grew up in once gave a sermon relating God's love for us to Dadelions. He said that no matter what you do, you can't get rid of them.

I will see your Happy in every orange bloom from here on out.

Anonymous said...

I have just found your blog. I have been blog hopping starting from Nathan and Tricia's blog and landed on yours. I found yours from a blog that was linked from a little fellow named Joshua (I believe I came from a little lady named Eva who hasn't been born yet).

I have spent the last two days reading most of your blog. You are in my prayers and thoughts. How lucky to have been able to spend precious moments with your son. God bless your family.