Dandelion Inspiration

Many things happened over the years, but I still remember a gift from my mother in my third grade.

I had been picked to be the princess in the school play, and for weeks my mother had practised my lines so hard with me. But no matter how easily I acted at home, as soon as I stepped on stage, every word disappeared from my head. Finally, my teacher took me aside. She explained that she had written a narrator’s part, and asked me to change roles. Her words were kindly expressed, but hurt me, especially when I saw my part go to another girl.

I didn’t tell my mother what had happened. But she sensed my pain. Instead of suggesting we should practise my lines, she asked if I wanted to walk in the yard.

It was spring and the rose vine was turning green. Under the huge trees, we could see yellow dandelions. “I’m going to dig all these weeds,” mother said, pulling one dandelion up by its roots. “Then we’ll have only roses in this garden.” “But I like dandelions,” I disagreed, “all flowers are beautiful, even dandelions.” My mother looked at me seriously, “Yes, every flower gives pleasure in its own way. And that is true of people too,” she added, “not everyone can be a princess, but there is no shame in that.” Moved by the fact that she had understood my pain, I started to cry as I told her what had happened. She listened and smiled comfortably.

As years passed by, I realized that my mother’s gift was more than just a kindness for flowers. It was the ability to find beauty during hard times to deal with life’s disappointments, just like the modest dandelion. And though there are all the difficulties, I’ve learned to bloom in my own way.