Saturday, May 28, 2011

My cup (in my riding-lawn-mower-cup-holder) overflows.

So, my gift from my school kiddos and families was delivered last night.

My wonderful friends (Cooper's parents) brought it over.


Any guesses?


It's a Red Bud tree!!!!!!

I've been eyeing these ever since I moved to a place where trees with leaves actually grow.

Please ignore the patches of dirt in our yard.

Isn't it great?


And, I think I know where we are going to plant it.

Do you see that little brown shed (in between the light pole and the tree)?

I think we are going to put it around there.  That way, we can see it from our kitchen and living room windows.

And it blocks the shed where the neighbors store their riding lawn mower.  Maybe if we don't see their riding lawn mower, we won't covet over it.  We want one.  Bad.  Like really bad.

But God gave us good, working legs for a reason, right? We just can't justify getting one.

[This is the part where one of you writes and says, "We have an extra brand-new one just sitting in our garage that we aren't using that you can totally have. We'd even be happy to drop it off at your house for you.]

But when we do get one, mine's gonna have a cup holder.  And a big enough seat that a kiddo can ride with me. Those are my only requirements.

Anyways, back to Ms. Red-Bud-Rock-My-World-Tree..

They got it so that we can remember Maggie.  And, the great thing is it should bloom around Maggie's birthday every year.

And for those of you who still live in states where these do not grow, this is what it should look like:


[Source]
[Source]
Pretty sure our grass will never look like this though. Unless we get a riding mower.  Then it would.


And, along with the tree I got a note from a mom in my class.  She is amazing and even though I don't know her well, I know her well enough to know how incredible she is.

This is a bit of the note:
This red bud tree is a reminder every spring as it bursts out in blossoms around her birthday.  A reminder to you that she is alive and vibrant, that she loves you deeply and that you will be together again soon.  And a reminder for you to look for the gifts she died to give you.
And then she wrote a letter from Maggie. This was too much for me. The tears came again.
Mama, I am okay...you know what brings me the most joy of all here?  Your love!  Your love wraps around me. It fills me with such peace! I hear you talking to me and I really feel your love.  I know you want to hold me in your arms.  You want to rock me, sing to me, and nurture me.  Your love is the only thing I took from this earth. I know you and daddy love me so much...Thank you for giving me a safe place to live.  Thank you for filling me with joy while I lived inside of you.
Trust, Mama.  Be at peace.  Rest in my love, in Daddy's love, and in God's love.  It will heal you.  We are together. And we will be more fully together soon.  I love you!  Maggie Ann.
So, to those of you who graciously donated so that I could have this beautiful memorial of Maggie.  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Again, my cup overflows and my heart is full.

2 comments:

  1. Rachel, so glad you are blessed by the tree! I pray it brings you joy and hope every year! A couple things about the tree: it has a one-year guarantee, so keep the receipt if you still have it (see the back of the attached green sheet). Also, I really hope it has those bright pink blossoms on it (like in the picture)! There is a chance it could be a different variety and have lighter pink or lavender blossoms -- there was no picture/label so I don't really know. Finally, it should be planted as soon as you can get it in the ground since it is getting so hot. The spot you picked out sounds perfect! Enjoy! And, sorry, we don't have a new riding lawn mower for you... :) Love ya!

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  2. I LOVE that kind of tree. I will think of you and Maggie whenever I see them where we live, too.

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