The Macs

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

pink peonies


I was so excited to see this week that my peonies are finally blooming. My father-in-law helped me plant them in our yard last spring. He has a green thumb, so it is a really good thing that he was helping me. He actually got them to plant next to Cora's memorial stone. But when spring came around last year we hadn't put Cora's stone in yet. So we planted them in my yard instead. We are hoping to transplant some of them this fall. But for now, I am enjoying the pretty pink blooms.

Cora is buried in a country cemetery near our house. I actually could walk there if I wanted to. And I drive by it all the time. I like that because I can "check on her" from a distance. But honestly, I really don't like going to the cemetery. I know it is very healing for some people. And maybe that will change for me. But right now, I just don't like it. To me the cemetery is full of reminders of death and caskets and funerals. And I hate that. I hate letting my mind go back to the pain and trauma of having to bury my little girl. It is too hard.

But one thing I love about her cemetery is that their are peonies everywhere. It is just beautiful around this time of year. And for the short two weeks or so that the peonies bloom, it is such an awesome reminder to me of LIFE...even in the cemetery. And I love that. Because we serve a God who has conquered death--a God of LIFE. And Cora's life continues beyond the grave. I need to be reminded of that so often.

So we thought that Cora needed her own peonies. Pink of course. And I have a feeling that taking a trip to Cora's peonies in the spring might become a family tradition. We could even bring some back to the house as a reminder of Cora's precious life. A reminder of that incredible day when we will see Cora again and live for eternity in the presence of God. What a sweet day that will be.

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, the home of God is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will remove all their sorrows, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. For the old world and its evils are gone forever."
Revelation 21:3-4

27 Comments:

Blogger A said...

My peonies are blooming right now, too- and in addition to how pretty they are, they smell so good!! My aunt (master gardener) told me that they don't like being transplanted (mine didn't come up the first season after they were transplanted)- just in case you'd rather get a fresh plant so it will bloom right away! You and your family are always in my prayers :)

May 25, 2010 at 10:07 PM  
Blogger Jen said...

I LOVE peonies also. Especially the pink ones :)
Praying for you!!!

May 25, 2010 at 10:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I bet they are beautiful..just has beautiful as your sweet Cora..I don't like going to the cemetary either..I want to remember them as they lived..we will be with them again oneday...

always thinking and praying for you guys.

May 25, 2010 at 10:16 PM  
Blogger Beki - TheRustedChain said...

Amen, amen, and amen!!

This is beautiful Jess.
I love the hot pink peonies the most.

I will forever look at hot pink and green differently because of you and Cora.

May 25, 2010 at 10:23 PM  
Blogger Marla Taviano said...

The words "Cora is buried" hurt just to read. I can't imagine living them. Praying for you tonight as you miss your sweet baby girl.

May 25, 2010 at 10:29 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Such a sweet remembrance during such a difficult time. They are such sweet and beautiful flowers. Even the ants can's resist! That's what I remember most about my mom's growing up. How perfect is that? A plant and flower so sweet that even the lowliest creatures can't deny!

May 25, 2010 at 10:39 PM  
Blogger Taking Heart said...

Precious.

Your scripture is perfect.

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

May 25, 2010 at 11:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My father died over 25 years and I still don't like to go to the cemetery. I would much rather think about all of the good times I had with him. My dad was buried near a beautiful cherry tree. When I see the cherry trees blossom in the Spring it reminds me of him.

May 26, 2010 at 1:41 AM  
Blogger Marsha said...

What a beautiful reminder of God's everlasting love. Praying for you guys!

Love,

Marsha in VA

May 26, 2010 at 6:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Amen!
Oh I can't wait for that glorious day!

May 26, 2010 at 7:58 AM  
Blogger hoosier68 said...

Peonies have long been a family favorite for us and stand tall next to my family headstones. What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful little girl. Your posts always bring me to tears. You continue to be in my daily prayers.

May 26, 2010 at 8:04 AM  
Blogger Lauren said...

Sooo beautiful and what a sweet reminder of precious Cora!!

May 26, 2010 at 8:13 AM  
Anonymous Mindee@ourfrontdoor said...

Peonies are my favorite garden flower. Such showy, unabashed loveliness! They will be a lovely addition to the cemetery.

May 26, 2010 at 9:39 AM  
Blogger Melissa Joy said...

I need some peonies. I really do.
Thinking of you often. Walking the road of grief with you.

May 26, 2010 at 9:41 AM  
Anonymous Bec said...

I finally worked up the courage to go visit my uncle's grave this past weekend. He's buried in a beautiful country cemetery up on a hill in the middle of nowhere. I think he knew that it would be a peaceful, beautiful place for us to visit. It was still hard, but it is hard to not feel God's presence in a place like that and to be comforted.

May 26, 2010 at 10:20 AM  
Blogger Donna H said...

Thank you for the verse. I needed to see that today.

May 26, 2010 at 11:16 AM  
Blogger Carisa said...

My mom died 5 years ago this spring and I still don't like to visit the cemetary. We just recently buried my grandpa, very near to my mom, and even that was difficult. I used to feel guilty about not visiting, but it's not a comforting thing for me, so I released myself from having to do it. It works much better for me to share photos and memories with my own girls rather than visit her grave. I know exactly what you are saying.

May 26, 2010 at 11:17 AM  
Blogger Amber D said...

I know just how you feel about the grave site. I've only gone to visit Mark's 2 times since he was buried there.

I'm glad you found something that is a 'happy' way to remember her.

Also you helped me identify the flowers in my backyard thanks!

May 26, 2010 at 12:50 PM  
Blogger Trina Y. said...

Just found your blog and am veryyyyy touched by your family's story!

Love the peonies! They are soooo soooo beautiful!

I know Cora would loooove them too!

Trina
www.mommeville.com(blog)

May 26, 2010 at 4:37 PM  
Blogger teresa said...

such beautiful peonies! and pink for Cora ~ that is dear.

this summer it will be 30 years since my husband (then only 25 y/o) died of cancer. i learned to go to the cemetary when i was 'up' emotionally, not on a specific date or when the weather was dismal or i was having a rough day.

so grateful for his life and his memory. most grateful for his faith in Jesus and that one day we'll be in the glorious presence of the Father.

thanks for sharing your heart.

love & prayers,

May 26, 2010 at 8:24 PM  
Blogger Lacie and Stephen said...

I know exactly what you mean about living so close to the cemetary and not wanting to really go "check on her." We buried our little girl in a cemetary not far from our house (a little farther than walking distance though). It reminded us of where our grandparents are burried. It is such a lovely place during the spring and in the fall you can actually see the cornfield from my daughter's grave site. It is so hard to go there though. When we do, we just think about the day we had to put her in the ground. That was the hardest day for me. So glad you have the peonies to remind you of new life and God's promise that we WILL see our children again some day! And as the song says, "And all will be glory in that land!"

Lacie Hutchins
Wichita

May 26, 2010 at 10:24 PM  
Blogger jennifer rogers said...

that was very beautifully written

May 26, 2010 at 10:52 PM  
Blogger Jenifer's Journey said...

I love the Pink Peonies and that they grown around Cora's grave even tho we all rather her run and play with them and help you plant them ...
Preying for you

May 26, 2010 at 11:07 PM  
Blogger Tricia said...

There could be no more beautiful flower to celebrate your sweet Cora.

With love and prayers,
XO*Tricia

May 27, 2010 at 2:08 PM  
Blogger Sophia said...

I was in Walmart yesterday and saw a fake pink Peonie in a vase and immediately thought of you, and this post.
What a gift you have at seeing symbolism in the blooming of this flower and the life of your daughter...

May 27, 2010 at 10:53 PM  
Blogger Christina said...

Beautiful post, and that passage from Revelation is so wonderful. I want to use the word beautiful again!

May 28, 2010 at 12:29 AM  
Blogger SammyGene said...

I read this post yesterday and thought of you today when I saw on the Martha Stewart Show they explained how to preserve peonies for six months... I didn't check on-line but I am sure there is a post on her website.

May 28, 2010 at 12:05 PM  

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