Our Forget-me-nots are blooming in the garden. They are easily overlooked, thus their appropriate name. For most of the year they look like a pernicious low weed with woody stems. But then in mid May tiny 5 petalled blooms appear that twinkle like azure stars. They are best appreciated by getting down on hands and knees and inspecting them closely. Their beauty is delicate and fleeting.
In the photo is a treasured heirloom. It's a plate decorated with Forget-me-nots, the only surviving dish from my wife's grandparents who fled Russia in the early 20's after the Russian Revolution. Their once prosperous farms were taken over by lawlessness, and they fled the violence to pursue a new life in Canada.
How appropriate that the plate is decorated in this way. For the family it's a reminder of our past: the struggles, the faith, and the hope. While we look to the future with vitality, it's good glancing into the rear view mirror occasionally to understand the family story.
Most of us have a family heirloom with lasting beauty.
This is a submission to Willow's wonderful theme site Magpie Tales, #14 about a treasured plate.
