Read by Michael Flamel

On one of those bleak, cold days at the end of February, when my eyes were yearning for the vibrant colors of Spring, I loaded the kids into the SUV and headed to the nearest nursery. Bundled up against the biting wind, we sought refuge in the warmth of the greenhouse, where our spirits were lifted by the sight of early Spring flowers in all their glory. Among them stood a display of stunning Spanish lavender, its deep purple blooms irresistibly calling to me. Despite my initial hesitation, I couldn’t resist bringing this beauty home for just $8.99.

Back at our small yellow house, my Spanish lavender found a place of honor in a sunlit window. From there, she watched over our bustling home with grace. Through the trials and chaos of February melting into March, her cheerful blooms remained a constant source of solace and inspiration. Amidst the challenges of a stressful job situation, the scent of her crushed leaves became my refuge, calming my nerves and easing my tension.

As Spring fully bloomed, my Spanish lavender moved onto the porch, basking in the warmth of the sun alongside the burgeoning life of the garden. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of new beginnings, I found clarity in her presence. Just as I tended to my garden, I realized it was time to prune away what no longer served me, including the job that stifled my growth.

With newfound courage, I embraced change and let go of the old to make room for the new. And just as the seasons shifted in my garden, so too did my life. That Spring will forever be etched in my memory as a time of transformation, and I owe a debt of gratitude to a humble Spanish lavender plant — the best $8.99 I ever spent. ❖

About the Author: Katie Flores is a physical therapist by training. She is also a homeschooling mama by love of my babes, freelance writer by love of the written word and a grower of vegetables because of a practical mid-western lineage. She thrives as a grower of flowers because of the sheer joy they bring.