OUR FIRST POPPY!

There is always much rejoicing in our house when the first large red poppy blooms, as this plant came from Mr. HCB's mother's garden soon after she died in 1996 - she loved her garden and especially the red poppies.

It has bloomed every year without fail and in the last couple of years, we have split the plant, so that we now have several of them in our garden.

When we have our stroll round the garden - as we do quite often - we are always excited (only other gardeners will understand this!) to see the buds forming and then fill out and we watch every day to see the first one "pop out" of its tight green bud to show us what's inside.

Of course, we know it will always be red and have black inside, but that doesn't lessen the excitement we feel - and we always say to each other "Your Mum would be so pleased that these are still blooming" and inevitably we then go on to talk about her, how she loved being able to potter around in her garden and how much we miss her.

It is so good to have something from a loved one who has died, to bring back fond memories of them - and there are many things that remind us of this very special lady, but I think this is our favourite reminder.

It was quite challenging to take this photograph, because it was windy, but I am glad I persevered - this is dedicated to Mr. HCB's mother, Phyllis Evelyn Joan, who was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother - we still miss her.

To live in hearts we leave behind        
      Is not to die.
Thomas Campbell : Hallowed Ground