I know Amanda already did this post, but......

My grandpa is sick. My mom just spent two weeks with him at the coast, because he has been in hospital with various issues, the latest being a nasty bout of C-Diff. We were all to be there last weekend to celebrate his 90th birthday, but unfortunately due to my activity restriction I was not able to go. Now mom has gone back after hearing that he has a fever that will not go away. It is indifferent to the antibiotics and to Tylenol. The Dr. told my Grandma it looks like his time has come. I am hoping my OB will let me go next week, and I am hoping I can see him one last time.

On her way to the airport, my mom came to drop off some food and things that won't get used while she is away, but inspite of all the goodies that filled our fridge, my favorite thing is the absolutely breathtaking peonies from her garden. They are lush and fragrant, and easy to see why I prize these blooms above all others. This is the normal blooming time for her peonies, around Stampede week or 1st Didsbury Convention, depending on how you mark July. It amazes me that last year, her peonies just magically bloomed two full weeks early, right in time for our wedding day. The scent of the peonies in our house today takes me right back to our wedding day... there were literally buckets of peonies everywhere. Every table was overflowing with them, and truly they were the esthetic ingredient that for me really made my dream wedding come to life. Having them around really cheers me and brings back wonderful warm memories, and probably will for my whole life.

I know that in a few days they will wilt and die and I will have to wait another full year to experience the little surge of pleasure they bring, but I'm ok with that. They have gone from bud to full blossom and brought some cheer to my day along the way. And as I worry for my Grandfather, and know that at 90 he can not live forever, I will remember that he has had a full and wonderful life and that there is joy in having been a part of his family for seasons many or few.