I'll Never Look at Dandelions the Same Way Again

I'm unwrapping another Tuesday at chatting at the sky




One day last week, I was outside with Gracie. It was a gorgeous spring morning. Even with the sun shining brightly, it was just cool enough and there was a soft little breeze whispering to the trees. Still, I was feeling more than a little aggravated. I hadn’t had my tea yet and I wanted to be inside just sitting, being for a few minutes before I started the day.

As I stood there waiting for her to bring me the stupid ball, I looked down and there they were - a little family of dandelions, swaying in the gentle breeze as if they heard music that I couldn’t hear. I closed my eyes and lifted my face to the sun and listened. I didn’t hear the song, but my grumpies went away.

Part of the reason they made me smile was that they are just so darn pretty. What little girl wouldn’t love to have a frilly, yellow skirt like that in which to dance and twirl and celebrate spring mornings. “A weed,” some say. “A wildflower,” I say.

But that was only a small part of the reason they were able to adjust my attitude. As I watched them there, I thought of Tuesdays Unwrapped and Emily's Picture from last week. I thought of the times I had laughed and cried with women that I’ve never met. Women who, sometimes in the midst of great sadness or difficulties, have shared such special moments in their lives and have, in doing so, touched mine. I felt connected. I felt un-aggravated.