Grandma & Grandpa’s Peonies

My grandparents front yard has been full of peonies for as long as I can remember. I always wanted to cut them to bring the home, but grandpa was protective of grandma’s flowers. However, every year on Mother’s Day he always cut one and gave to them all the girls in the family. As a young girl, I always felt so special to get a Mother’s Day peony – even though I was obviously not a mother. The year I became a mother getting that peony was all the more memorable.

Every year on Mother’s Day for as long as I can remember.

My grandma passed away on Mother’s Day six years ago. I can hardly believe it has been that long. I can hardly believe it has only been that long. I miss her terribly.

This was our first Mother’s Day without grandpa too. In the weeks leading up to this weekend, I thought a lot about that annual peony. I’m so grateful for traditions, but when traditions end it can be painful. In the next few months there will be an estate sale, my grandparents house will be sold, the front yard will belong to someone else. Growing up is hard.

My family gathered at my house this year for Mother’s Day. My aunt walked in with a big bouquet of grandma’s peonies. My aunt is awesome like that. I think it would have made grandpa happy to see us enjoying them again – though he might have gotten a little riled up that we got more than one each! When I see a peony, I’ll forever think of my grandparents. It will forever me among my very favorite flowers.
My grandparents were master gardeners. My dad and sister are carrying on that legacy. I’m trying, but I tend to grow kids better than I grow plants. Anyway, my dad made his famous strawberry homemade ice cream. Grandma & Grandpa would have also loved the way he fed his granddaughter (my niece).Grandma never met any of her great granddaughters, but I am sure she would have had lots of fun with them. They all have a bit of her sassy spunk.