About two years ago, a friend of Joe and I died of breast cancer. I am able to call her a friend even though we only met a couple of times. She was that kind of person. She made you feel like she liked you and that you were her friend right from the start. I didn't even know she had breast cancer until after she passed away.

When Joe and I attended her remembrance celebration, we, along with all the other guests, were given a plant to take home. We were told it was her favorite flower. I was a little nervous about taking it because as much as I try, I don't seem to have much of a green thumb. It seemed sad to me to take the plant that had so much meaning and emotion attached to it home and then have it die. I planted it in my backyard, underneath our lemon tree. I've planted numerous things there over the years, all unsuccessfully. It somehow survived over the last two years. Sometimes looking on the verge of death, all yellow and brownish colored, and other times seeming to come back to life with nice green leaves. In all the time we'd had it however, it did not bloom.

Then, about two weeks ago, I was washing dishes and looked out my kitchen window and saw the prettiest white flower on it! It has had a new bloom on it almost every day since. The blooms only last a day or two, but there is almost always at least one flower on it.

I've never really been one to attach meaning to seemingly unrelated events, but this happening now, when I'm waging my own battle against breast cancer seemed to me a sign of hope and encouragement. So, Barbara, if you're out there, thank you.

Martha