There is a large, white Rose of Sharon bush out front–one of two that stand driveway sentinel. Last winter, unbeknownst to me, a heavy snow broke it in half below the ground level. Two weeks ago, I found half of it lying on the ground. As I was planning to cut it up, I noticed that it had flower buds. Amazingly, it seemed determined to flower again,if only for one last time. I carefully wired it upright to the remaining half of the bush. Completely separated from the rest of the plant, it swirled back and forth a bit, but remained proudly upright. Today, it is in dazzling bloom, consumed by beautiful white flowers, teetering some, but upright and proud.
This determined Rose of Sharon bush has absolutely no chance at survival. Yet, it is showering the universe with its breathtaking beauty one last time.
Somewhere in this, there is a lesson for all of us.