Last November, I was teetering on the edge of existential despair over the state of our world. And my initial response was not a healthy or hopeful one. But I stepped outside, and the blanket flowers were doing their damn best to bloom. They had stood through frost, through the first snowfall, through a deep freeze, and they were still full of color, still showing up as fierce beacons of hope to me.
“Be like us, Jess.” They seemed to say. “Bloom, damn it!” I’m thankful for the shot of courage and determination a small flower is able to impart. I’ll take it.
I come from people who showed fierce determination and stubborn hope. And I want to lean into those stubborn gifts that lay somewhat deep inside of me.
My opa epitomized this tenacity—especially early in his life and in the life of his young family. He was wily and courageous. He risked everything and didn’t give up on the life that he wanted for his family. Later in life, he was “Still kicking” until the very end.
I ran across his stamp collection shortly after my encounter with the blanket flower. They needed to be this collage.
I collage to remind myself of how I want to be. And I share in case anyone needs this too. May we keep showing up for one another—especially in devastating times.
Bloom! is available in packs of four 4×6 in. cards for $10, plus shipping. If you are interested in cards, feel free to let me know. I can take payment through Venmo or PayPal.
Jessica Sanborn 