Beyond The Grave

In a hurry to get to a paper and pencil in order that I capture a list that was running through my brain, I walked into the gift shop of the garden center I work at and found two older ladies and a group of three young girls. My co-worker who is new to selling plants had the “deer in headlights” look so I gently asked all of them if I could help with anything. My friend generously, and quickly, passed the group off to me.

“We need plants for a cemetery plot,” said the older of the two women. The other simply nodded her agreement from behind. The three girls, ages 9-12 nodded as well. They were at the garden center to beautify the plot of their recently passed grandfather.

“Okay, I can help with that.” I offered. The next piece of the plant selling puzzle is to find out what kind of location the plants will go into, so I started the grand inquisition. Sun or shade? Soil conditions? High maintenance or low? Annual or perennial? Favorite color?

Following a short discussion I excused myself so that I could write my list and kill a few minutes. I needed to go through the not-yet-awake plant inventory in my brain. I needed a few minutes to put together their answers and come up with some good plant options that fit their needs.

Geraniums? (Default answer. I love all geraniums.)

Heliopsis? (Full sun, great blooms. This could work.)

Dianthus? (So pretty, does well without much maintenance.) Got it, three answers had come to me, but as I headed back to find my group of ladies who had scooted outside a big thought hit me.

Hemerocallis. (I could show them the hemerocallis. Easy care, colorful, hardy.)

I waved the group toward me and led them to a large selection of hemerocallis. The company I work for has over one hundred varieties. It is pretty mind-boggling for most people. I walked the group over and stood in front of “Chicago Apache”. Pointing down at the many pots with green eyes pointing through the soil I explained the benefits of this plant and how it could be a good fit for their needs. I noticed that one of the young ladies was staring at the oldest lady, the group speaker. The girl’s eyes was saying something, but I didn’t know what.

“So, I have three other plants I’d like to show you that you should consider.” I said.

“That won’t be necessary. We will take this plant right here,” replied the buyer. “This is the one we want.” The whole group was nodding in agreement. They had decided, that fast that they would purchase three pots of the daylily I had just introduced them, too. I thought it was strange, but they seemed to have all agreed during some silent meeting they had held behind my back.

“You’re sure?!” I questioned the group.

It was then that the oldest lady who had been answering my questions pointed to the sign standing over the potted plants that read: CHICAGO APACHE… Scarlet Red….Rebloomer. She then pointed to one of the young girls. “This is Scarlet, his granddaughter. His wife’s name was Lilly.”

The synchronicity of the moment could not go unnoticed and I had to choke a bit. All of the girls were smiling up at me like I had just created a miracle. Indeed I had played my part by allowing my intuition to guide my actions. The idea of offering a hemerocallis only happened as an after-thought. Though many people love the hardy beauties, they are one of my least favorite perennials, however in this situation it ended up being the first product I showed them and it was exactly a perfect fit. It would seem that Grandpa directed and chose the plant that would best represent him.

Was it a law of attraction  moment? Not for me, but I bet it was for them. I believe their deep desire to connect with Grandpa was present. The synchronicity of these events was unmistakable. The family said that when I presented the hemerocallis (daylily) to them and they read the name they knew instantly that “He/grandpa” was there with them. I was a player in their game. I simply facilitated the magic. When these moments happen, acknowledge them. Magic is everywhere if we allow for it.

They had the dream (to get plants for Grandpa).

They took action (by driving over to the garden center).

The got a positive result because their intentions were in alignment with their belief system. AND, their terrific group energy helped move things along quickly. There really is something to be said about “the more, the merrier”!

The story has been brought to you by the letters I and U. I am what I am because U are what U are. U and I are one.