Read by Matilda Longbottom

Growing up in Trenton, Michigan, our house was always adorned with a particular charm—a solitary rosebush, steadfast against the side of our home. Its blooms, a radiant crimson, seemed to glow even brighter under the sun. This simple strip of earth, flanked by chives and other forgotten flora, held a subtle magic, untouched by my mother’s busy hands.

With eight children to tend, gardening was a luxury my mother couldn’t afford. Yet, amidst the chaos of family life, the rose thrived effortlessly, a silent witness to our bustling household. As time passed, renovations swept through our home, altering the landscape, but the rose endured, its presence a comforting constant.

When I ventured into family life myself, I sought to honor my parents’ legacy. A rose named “George” caught my eye—a tribute to my father. With its warm, antique hues, it seemed a fitting homage. And so, on Mother’s Day, I gifted my mother this living memory, planting it alongside its solitary predecessor.

Years later, inspired by the enduring love of my parents, I sought a rose for my mother—a token of appreciation for her unwavering love. The “Evelyn” rose, with its delicate gradient of orange to pink, embodied her grace and warmth. Planted beside the others, it flourished, as if imbued with my mother’s spirit.

As time unfurled its tapestry, my parents passed away, leaving behind a garden of memories. Yet, the roses persisted, blooming each Spring and bidding farewell with October’s last bloom. Their steadfast presence became a testament to enduring love, a legacy woven into the fabric of our family.

This past year, as my husband and I celebrated our 25th anniversary, a poignant reminder of love’s enduring embrace emerged—a single bloom, nestled in a vase, bearing the hues of the Evelyn rose. A silent nod from the past, reminding us that love transcends time and space. ❖

Biography of the Author: Alice Freismuth (Davidson) is a storyteller with a penchant for weaving tales that celebrate the beauty of ordinary life. Born and raised in Trenton, Michigan, Alice finds inspiration in the quiet moments and everyday miracles that grace our lives. Despite facing challenges like rheumatoid arthritis, Alice’s love for storytelling remains unwavering, offering solace and joy to both herself and her readers. Through her heartfelt narratives, she invites readers to rediscover the magic in the mundane and cherish the bonds that enrich our lives.