Read by Matilda Longbottom

TThere’s a little miracle happening right before a surgery I need. Let me tell you about it.

Back in 2019, a dear friend, sharing my passion for all things floral, gave me two amaryllis bulbs for Christmas—one fiery red, the other a soft peach. They arrived like Christmas showgirls, bedazzling the Winter darkness with their spectacular headdresses and sequin-like petals. Oh, how I cheered for them! But, like all showgirls, they eventually bowed out, exhausted and spent, leaving behind only memories of their radiant performances.

Now, let me confess, I’m not much of a bulb gardener. The thought of crawling on the ground, punching holes for daffodils or irises, doesn’t quite appeal to me. I prefer the buy-and-plant approach, favoring plants that bloom for months on end, unlike their short-lived bulb counterparts.

When my amaryllis bulbs finished their show, I neglected them. One bulb rotted away, a soggy casualty of my negligence. But the other survived, albeit dormant, as I lazily let it be over two Winters.

Fast-forward to this year, and I find myself facing surgery with a mix of trepidation and hope. And then, amidst the chaos, a delightful surprise: my neglected amaryllis decides it’s time to shine. After three long years, it sends forth a flower stalk, a beacon of hope amidst my worries.

As I prepare for surgery and the uncertainty that follows, this unexpected bloom serves as a reminder that beauty can emerge from even the most unlikely circumstances. And when I return home, I’ll be greeted by the full spectacle of my amaryllis in bloom, a testament to resilience and the promise of better days ahead.

So, bring on the sequins and headdresses—I’ll be ready for whatever life throws my way. ❖

About the Author: When she’s not tending to her garden, Robynn Reilly can be found doting on her adult children, pampering a mischievous kitten, dabbling in watercolor painting, or crafting children’s books set to hit bookstores in 2025. She is also an active member of “Stories To Tell With Dr. Bertice Berry,” an online storytelling group known for its annual conference held in Savannah, Georgia.