One Flower

Many years ago when we were married for only a few years, we lived in San Francisco. One of the many advantages of living in that fantastic city is the easy access to flowers. There are many flower stands on the street corners downtown and flower shops are in every neighborhood. A gift of flowers always helps a marriage. One just needs to take the time to stop and buy some or make the telephone call to order a bouquet for the one you love.

My husband worked downtown in the financial district. I was at home, near Golden Gate Park, taking care of our small children. I soon learned that, if he was holding one of his hands behind his back when he arrived home, he had a surprise for me. Usually a precious small bunch of violets. What a loving and romantic gesture. I loved it...and him!

Later we moved back to the Midwest and flowers were not as easy to obtain. That made it extra special when he sent flowers to me. Sometimes I surprised him and sent a rose in a bud vase to his office. He also appreciated my thoughtfulness.

Then years later we moved back to San Francisco and there was a florist shop on the first floor of our building! That is when we discovered the joy of the gift of just one flower. Since they were so easy to obtain, my husband began to be more selective and would try to find just one perfect flower. We soon found that we loved the charm of just one rose, one calla lily or one gladiola. We found the buds on the latter open gradually from the bottom to the top. It was such fun to watch the whole flower unfold.

A young man, who is a family friend, lived with us for a couple of months and was impressed that sometimes Bill brought home a bunch of daffodills from the grocery store to surprise me. Since then when we have visited this man in his own home, he always tries to have daffodills there to greet us. It is a symbol to him of the love he saw us share and the good times we enjoyed together.

So to put some extra fun into your relationship, try bringing home a bouquet or get into the habit of surprising your loved one with one very special flower. This kind of thoughtfulness leads to long and happy marriages.