Sweetest Flowers

 Yesterday Sam picked me a flower.  Well, that may be a liberal interpretation, perhaps it went more like, he likes to pull leaves and flowers off all the garden plants and just happened to pull off a lovely tulip, which I rescued and put in a vase.  Although it did give me a glimpse of how sweet it will be when he can draw me pictures and pick bouquets.  I remember running inside with sticky bunches of dandelions clutched in my fat little hands as a kid.  My mom would display them prominently on the table or in the kitchen window sills.  It's amazing how the intent with which a gift is given can elevate even the humblest gift to exquisite treasure.  Kind of gives you some perspective about gift-giving culture in general...
I love to watch Sam interact with his world.  He loves anything furry and anything green, always asking to be lifted up so he can examine the branches and leaves of a tree closer.  He loves flowers and often points things out that I miss; the ubiquitous pansy that lines early spring city gardens has become part of the background to me.  But he points excitedly at each exuberant yellow center, stoically braving those first chilly spring days.  I'm relearning to notice and appreciate daily, small miracles.